In an ever-changing world where positive and constructive interaction and communication with one another are fundamental to the evolution of our society, teaching children and providing them with the opportunity to work together in harmony toward a common goal is imperative. Collaborative learning can easily facilitate and engrave these skills that will eventually produce a well-rounded, open-minded and creative student. Collaborative learning is a teaching and learning technique where students work in groups or pairs on a structured activity. They work together to solve a problem or create a project. This form of learning could take place within the classroom or online. In a collaborative learning activity, students are assessed individually and as a group. They are accountable for their share of the work and for the work that they produce as a team.There are many benefits to collaborative learning. Students learn to communicate their ideas with each other. They must also learn to listen to the ideas and opinions that are expressed by others. Students are compelled to cooperate. This form of learning requires students to take on a constructive approach and unite their different perspectives to achieve a desirable result. These learning experiences open the doors to students who need to build on their self-esteem. Sometimes, students feel anxious about sharing their knowledge or seeking assistance to understand the subject matter. Collaborative learning activities significantly reduce classroom anxiety. Students learn to view an idea from a different angle and appreciate the perspective of their peers, thereby developing a sense of empathy. As students actively engage in their learning, they become less disruptive and more focused on their goal, which ensures greater retention. This form of exploratory learning creates a positive attitude towards the subject matter and stimulates a student’s critical thinking skills. Cooperative and collaborative learning helps students to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, increases the students’ success rate, enhances self-esteem, and motivates students to stay on task.Creating an environment which is conducive to this type of learning activity is necessary in order to reap fruitful results and ensure a meaningful and productive experience for both teachers and students. While students need to feel confident and secure in their environment, they must also feel challenged to accomplish their goals and perform to their fullest potential. Maintaining small groups ensures an equitable and manageable workload for all. Setting specific expectations and timelines for the task also drives students to take responsibility for the work that they produce and fosters self-management and time management skills. Students eagerly look forward to the opportunity of collaborating on a project. It is encouraging to see the enthusiasm that they radiate and the support that they lend each other in their pursuit of a common goal.As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are well-equipped not just with knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, but also with the tools and the know-how to communicate and apply their knowledge to the many challenging situations that they will encounter in their lives as adults.Mrs. Abey
