Learning Styles:
|
[page
|
4
|
]
|
 |
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
There is much to be gained from a collaborative approach to learning. Benefits such as:
- Sharing ideas - so that you collect a bigger pool of ideas and perspectives.
- Sharing knowledge and experience – some of the group may have more experience in certain areas that can benefit all.
- A good place to meet is the library in an area where they allow quiet discussion – you will then have additional reference material to hand if you need it; and several pairs of hands to look through it.
- Sharing feedback – read each other's work after it has been marked. Can you learn anything from their work?
- Help to clarify your understanding of a subject, as you talk through your interpretation of subject content with others.
- Help you rehearse presentations – mutual encouragement and early feedback.
- Help you remain focused on the point in hand.
There are, of course, dangers you have to watch out for. These are some of the disadvantages:
- Finding the time to meet regularly – the best way is to meet straight after a lecture. Then it can be a regular slot. Perhaps it can coincide with a lunch break or at the end of the day, but remember to be fair to all; some of the group may have to collect children from child minders, in which case an early or late slot will be impractical.
- Copying each other's work – all assignment and project work must be your own. Lecturers are very good at spotting work copied from others.
- Work allocation – you must ensure that tasks are shared out fairly.
- Additional stress – by all means encourage others when they are feeling low, but avoid getting drawn into their feelings of depression.
|
[page
|
4
|
]
|
|