The benefits of collaborative learning in the classroom and beyond
Imagine a classroom buzzing with energy, where students come together to work as a team, each member actively contributing to a shared learning goal. It’s a dynamic, collaborative approach that brings student voice into the discussion, can help teachers build stronger relationships with their students, and creates a healthy classroom that supports student success.
Why are school communities turning to collaborative learning?
From aligning with modern educational trends to emphasizing active student engagement and critical thinking skills, it’s no wonder school communities are turning to collaborative learning. But the numbers don’t lie either. In fact, one secondary school saw an 11.8% increase in test scores when they implemented collaborative learning. Plus, in over 1,200 studies on different learning styles, a consistent finding emerges: collaborative learning methods not only increase the time students spend on tasks but also elevate their motivation to learn and improve interpersonal relationships. Engaging in active, social, and student-led experiences doesn’t just scratch the surface; it creates a deep understanding, making use of social unity to learn together.
Educators and students alike prefer collaborative learning for several compelling reasons. This approach promotes active engagement. When students collaborate, they’re not just passive recipients of information; they become active participants in their own learning journey. This hands-on approach not only deepens their understanding of the subject matter but creates a sense of community within the classroom, where students learn from each other’s diverse perspectives and experiences. It builds teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that are invaluable in the real world.
Group work vs. collaborative learning
Have you or a student you know ever complained about being a part of a group project? Collaborative learning might sound like group work but it’s very different. Many group projects have students splitting up work to do individually rather than working together– sometimes causing conflicts if one person ends up doing more of the work.
In comparison, collaborative learning happens when students actively join together and learn from each other. In this style of peer learning, students discuss ideas or solve problems with their classmates. So what does this look like in practice?
It looks like students in science class working together in groups to plan an experiment, taking turns to participate in a step of an experiment, and talking about their results together to learn more about science.
It looks like students in an online language course teaming up to practice talking with peers who speak the language well, helping each other learn and improve their communication skills.
It looks like students running #WinAtSocial Lessons in class, huddling together over a thought-provoking topic and openly discussing new perspectives and ideas.
How to integrate into the Classroom
Every student has things they’re good at and things they find challenging when it comes to understanding a topic. But by embracing these differences, students can teach each other, learn together, and get better as a group. Here are some tips to bring collaborative learning to your classroom:
- Group Assignments: Assign group projects or activities where students work together to achieve a common goal. This promotes teamwork and allows students to utilize each other’s strengths. Encourage students to strike a balance between sharing their thoughts and listening to others. In the #WinAtSocial Strike A Balance lesson, Breaking down when to text vs. talk – and what celebrities can teach us, students learn the power of face-to-face conversations and interactions.
- Peer Teaching: Create peer teaching sessions where students take turns explaining concepts to their classmates. Student Maddie Edwards speaks on her experience with collaborative learning in this TEDTalk where she explores the power of peer teaching and provides insights that can be valuable for implementing this strategy in your classroom.
- Discussion Forums: Introduce class discussions or online forums where students can share their perspectives and insights on various topics. During #WinAtSocial lessons, students are encouraged to huddle together to discuss what they learn as a group, share their ideas, and inspire each other. This creates open communication and helps build a sense of community within the classroom.
- A Mix of Learning Styles: Include diverse learning styles by adding a mix of visual, audio, and physical activities such as a class debate or a TedTalk for discussion. This makes sure that all students can engage actively in the learning process.
Practical tools for success
Collaborative learning, proven by over 1,200 studies, stands out as a powerful approach for educators to create thriving classrooms. Unlike traditional group work, it actively involves students, promoting teamwork and deeper understanding, while preparing students for a successful future.
The character-building and soft skills instilled into students through collaborative learning align with the evolving demands of the modern workplace. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to collaborate effectively is a highly sought-after skill. By embracing collaborative learning, educators prepare students for success in a future where teamwork, adaptability, and innovation are key drivers of progress. So, it’s no surprise that both educators and students find collaborative learning to be a powerful and exciting approach to education.
At The Social Institute, we believe in creating learning settings where students can learn from each other and where teachers can learn about their students. Strong student-teacher relationships can lead to better teaching, so we provide insights through data, lessons, and other resources to inspire student health, happiness, and success.
We help students think about how their experiences compare to those of others, better understanding their world, their relationships, and their experiences. Students huddle together to discuss real-world scenarios and participate in challenges that keep the conversation going.
As students navigate playing to their strengths, collaborative learning becomes a powerful ally in shaping an empowered learning community. Interested in empowering students in the classroom and beyond? Check out The Huddle newsletter featuring discussion prompts to start powerful conversations with students. Plus there are expert summaries on how the latest social media, tech, and current event trends are impacting K-12 students around the world.
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.