In nowadays, we observe a huge growth in classroom technology, and with it, the introduction of new learning methodologies. One example that encourages collaborative learning is padlet. According to Nuiteq, (2017) Collaborative learning makes students with different backgrounds, race, or up bringing, to work together. They come together in a setting that maybe would not be possible if it were not for collaborative learning. In my understanding collaborative learning methodology is ideal for children that have difficulties in a social setting.
The Washington University in St Louis (2016) listed benefits in that comes when students work collaboratively, namely, building trust, learn from peers, gain confidence, as well as developing social skills. Sharing these benefits with your students in a transparent manner helps them understand how group work can improve learning and prepare them for life experiences (Taylor 2016). Students’ interactions and discussions with others allow the group to construct new knowledge, place it within a conceptual framework of existing knowledge, and then refine and assess what they know and do not know.
In my experience as a former face to face lecturer now online lecturer, bringing students students together helps solve problems as quickly as possible. One of the things I notice was that group working can make study more efficient and fun. Working with others enables you to pool your ideas and see problems from different perspectives. University of Birmingham, (2014) state that working in groups gives you an excellent opportunity to get to know one another. It can be useful for encouraging social interactions and for developing strong social/learning networks.
HOW TO ENFORCE GROUP COLLABORATION
Group work can be an effective method to motivate students, encourage active learning, and develop key critical-thinking, communication, and decision-making skills. Before being an online lecture, as a face to face lecturer some of my students did not like to work in groups. One of my strategies to get them to work in groups was to dis-arrange their sitting so that they become uncomfortable and start talking amongst each other to solve problems.
First, determine how you want to organize your groups. Do you want students to work in pairs, groups of four, or some other organization? Will your students stay in the same group for a long period of time? I find that balance is important. For example, students need to learn to work together over time. in that way you will master collaborate learning.
References
University of Birmingham (2014). Why work in group. A journal of Business. Available from https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/metallurgy-materials/about/cases/group-work/why.aspx. Accessed on 17 November 2018.
University of Washington (2016) Mastering student collaboration. Available from: https://www.middleweb.com/28606/get-students-working-effectively-in-groups/ Accessed on 17 November 2018.
Taylor, A. (2011). Top 10 reasons students dislike working in small groups… and why I do it anyway. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 39(3), 219-220.
