Collaborative Learning (CL) encourages active student participation in the learning process. It encompasses a set of approaches to education, sometimes also called cooperative learning or small group learning. CL creates an environment "that involves students in doing things and thinking about the things they are doing",1 and reaches students who otherwise might not be engaged. Finally, CL is one teaching strategy among many, each of which can play a role to make learning an active and effective process.
There are five sections:
Stories
Stories from teachers from many disciplines describing the CL implemented in their classrooms, divided into Large and Small Class stories.
A section devoted to group dynamics and CL techniques.
This section contains an Annotated Bibliography on small group instruction, a list of experts in CL willing to answer your questions or act as a sounding board, the SMET meta-analysis conducted by the College Level One (CL-1) team, web sites devoted to CL, other CL resources, and more.
More information on CL such as what is CL, does CL really work (it does!), how to set up groups, and comments by students on CL.
Some thoughts addressing colleagues' real concerns about CL and whether it's right for them.
Enjoy!
1Bonwell, C., & Eison, J. (1991). Active learning: Creating excitement in the classroom (ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 1). Washington, DC: George Washington University, p. 2.
