Collaborative Learning 44 Benefits of Collaborative Learning

Develops higher level thinking skills Promotes student-faculty interaction and familiarity Increases student retention Builds self esteem in students Enhances student satisfaction with the learning experience Promotes a positive attitude toward the subject matter Develops oral communication skills Develops social interaction skills Promotes positive race relations Creates an environment of active, involved, exploratory learning Uses a team approach to problem solving while maintaining individual accountability Encourages diversity understanding Encourages student responsibility for learning Involves students in developing curriculum and class procedures Students explore alternate problem solutions in a safe environment Stimulates critical thinking and helps students clarify ideas through discussion and debate Enhances self management skills Fits in well with the constructivist approach Establishs an atmosphere of cooperation and helping schoolwide Students develop responsibility for each other Builds more positive heterogeneous relationships Encourages alternate student assessment techniques Fosters and develops interpersonal relationships Modelling problem solving techniques by students' peers Students are taught how to criticize ideas, not people Sets high expectations for students and teachers Promotes higher achievement and class attendance . Students stay on task more and are less disruptive Greater ability of students to view situations from others' perspectives (development of empathy) Creates a stronger social support system Creates a more positive attitude toward teachers, principals and other school personnel by students and creates a more positive attitude by teachers toward their students Addresses learning style differences among students Promotes innovation in teaching and classroom techniques Classroom anxiety is significantly reduced Test anxiety is significantly reduced Classroom resembles real life social and employment situations Students practice modeling societal and work related roles CL is synergystic with writing across the curriculum CL activities can be used to personalize large lecture classes Skill building and practice can be enhanced and made less tedious through CL activities in and out of class. CL activities promote social and academic relationships well beyond the classroom and individual course CL processes create environments where students can practice building leadership skills. CL increases leadership skills of female students In colleges where students commute to school and do not remain on campus to participate in campus life activities, CL creates a community environment within the classroom. Source: Posted on Co-Learn mailing list by Ted Panitz TPANITZ@mecn.mass.edu

Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org Return to Collaborative Learning