Learning In Groups
Ken Robinson says that collaboration is the stuff of growth and most great learning happens in groups.
Studies have shown that when learners work in groups it leads to improved achievement, retention of learning and social relationships, as well as increasing intrinsic motivation. It can lessen the stress of contributing in a whole-class situation and give more time for learners to work at their own pace.
Developing collaborative learning skills at school helps to prepare children for later life when they will be expected to work as part of a team. For example, at university they may need to work on group projects, and most workplaces involve team working with common goals and collective, as well as individual, responsibility.
Below are some examples of collaborative learning (most of these activities involve critical thinking as well):
- Discussing an idea or solving a problem with a partner or a group
- Watching a film and discussing it afterwards
- Group brainstorming (working together to gather ideas and noting them all down without initially evaluating or discarding any. Often used as part of the planning process for a project.)
- Doing homework with a friend
- Team planning meetings at work
- Creating a product with a partner or group
- Think of a time when you have learned as part of a group. How did this help you to learn?
- Was there anything about the group that negatively affected your learning
- Do you think collaboration is helpful to all learners?
Intrinsic motivation is a motivation to learn that comes from an internal force such as interest in language learning or the desire for further personal development in general. It compares with extrinsic motivation, which is motivation from external pressures such as the need to speak English for work or because a parent has sent a learner to class.
Example
Often high level learners show a high degree of intrinsic motivation as they continue to study a language beyond any practical need.
In the classroom
Sometimes learners join a class because of extrinsic motivation and become motivated intrinsically as learning becomes enjoyable and rewarding. Getting feedback from the learners on the teaching and learning process through simple questionnaires about aspects of class can help a teacher identify what students find most useful and enjoyable.
Involving learners in project work
Project work is one common type of collaborative activity which can help learners to be creative.When working on a project, learners can collaborate at different stages, from planning, to assigning roles, researching and creating and presenting the project. Some projects might involve learners working in smaller groups or individually at some stages, before coming together as a group to put the pieces together.
In schools, projects are often cross-curricular and involve knowledge and learning about other subjects. Learners might also have different roles in a project, allowing them to build on their strengths, develop new skills or perhaps pursue something of particular interest to them.
Some examples of projects are:
Creating a class webpage
Preparing and giving a group presentation
Creating a video
Think about the questions and provide your feedback below:
How does project work help learners to be creative?
How can you ensure all learners are involved in project work?