San Jose State University : Center for Faculty Development

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Collaborative Learning

Overview

Two Science Students Performing Experiment

Collaborative Learning is a technique where students team together to produce a meaningful project. Students can learn a great deal by working collaboratively with others. There are generally three different types of learning group: informal, formal and team based.

Informal groups are short termed projects (ad hoc) where students are assigned a topic and/or discussion by the instructor to be completed during or at the end of class session. Formal groups on the other hand generally last for several weeks and deals with a specific purpose on a particular project to be accomplished. Team based typically last the entire semester and requires more complex planning.

Benefits from collaborative learning include: students learn to work with all types of people, promotes active engagement with material, critical thinking and communication skills and much more.

Although forming and facilitating success collaborative learning groups may be challenging, here are some concerns to be aware of: students perform at different speeds, balance of power, dealing with difficult people, the level of contribution and etc.

Collaborative Learning Groups Resources

 

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Center for Faculty Development

A unit of
Academic Technology

Center Staff

One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0026

Main Office Location: IRC 213
Computing/Consultation: IRC 202
Seminars: IRC 101, IRC 210

Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
Monday to Friday


Contact Main Office
(408) 924-2303
cfd@sjsu.edu

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