COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOMS INNOVATIVE APPROACH TOWARDS LEARNING

COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOMS -THE CONCEPT

BENEFITS OF COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOMS

1. Through this method, in depth and meaningful learning is promoted.
2. It leads to effective communication and interaction among peers.
3. Students share authority with their teachers and become active,  self reliant and responsible.
4. It gives exposure and comprehension of diverse perspectives.
5. Students are able to solve real life tasks and address real life challenges and issues.
   For more on 21st-century classroom skills, read Skills for the 21st Century.

FEATURES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOMS

1. In these classes authority is shared among teachers and students. The students carry out the learning process through interactive dialogues with their peers under the guidance of the teachers.
2. Knowledge is also shared both ways. Teachers are not, the only information providers. Flow of information happens in both directions, from  teacher to student and vice versa.
3. Teachers work as mediators and regulate the level of information and support among the students.
4. Heterogeneous grouping of students allows the inclusion of diversity and appreciation of individual perspectives and contributions.

 

CONDUCTION AND REGULATION OF COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOMS

1. Determining the requirement of the task and formation of groups accordingly.
2. Setting group goals and establishing some ground rules for ascertaining the accountability of the students involved.
3. Assigning roles to each member of the group to ensure proper contribution from everyone.
4. Conduction of icebreaker activities to maximize interaction between the members of the group.
5. Promoting trust and effective communication among members of the groups.
6. Allowing peer assessment where students can rate each other’s quality and quantity of contribution.
7.  Intermittent checking and guidance by the teacher mentor to guarantee proper achievement of learning outcome.