Learning in Interaction

Collaborative Learning by Learning in Interaction on NotaAdams, D., Carlson, H. & Hamm, M. (1990). Cooperative Learning & Educational Media: collaborating with Technology and Each Other. Educational Technology Publications.Collaborative Learning: Team spirit rather than indivdual rivalry is stressed as students learn to work together in groupsTeacher organized small group learning environmentsDiscuss topics, and learn to take charge of their own learningShared Leadership and Group Task Behaviors Each member of the group takes responsibility for making sure group members work towards a goal while maintaining a good feeling about the group1. Clarifying or elaborating – interpreting or building on another’s information2. Information or opinion giving – sharing information relevant to the group3. Information or opinion seeking- requesting information relevant to the group4. Summarizing – pulling together information already shared5. Managing – establishing a process which helps the group achieve its goalMaintenance Behaviors A group member also needs to display empathy for other group members and their feelings1. Compromising – “giving in” when necessary to other group members2. Empathizing and Encouraging – showing understanding and helping others feel part of a group3. Gatekeeping – giving everyone a chance to speak in the group4. Releasing tension – harmonizing interactions in the group5. Sharing group feelings and processes- helping the group to examine how it is feeling and operating.In the Harvard example, they work on the same problem in a group setting exhibiting elaboration, opinion giving, opinion seeking, summarizing, empathizing. The video does not demonstare management of group relation, gatekeeping, releasing tension, sharing groups feelings and processes. Also in this case, students could choose who they work with. Other cases: work on different parts of the same problem in a group setting (cooking examples), paired in random groups in a project. Collaborative Learning, HarvardCollaborative Learning(Enable JavaScript in your browser, please.)