Collaboration

Collaboration is a key process for getting students to engage more deeply with content. It’s also a valuable skill that students need to master as they continue to prepare for higher education and/or a career.

This article from Education Week (Sparks, 2017) provides a rationale for why students must be taught to collaborate.

This article from Edutopia (Alber, 2012) has tips on how to teach students to listen and ask good questions … exercises designed to scaffold deep, meaningful collaboration.

Another useful tool is the Collaborative Inquiry Plan (Hess, 2019). In addition to Hess’ work, this model incorporates ideas from Slavin (1991), Sousa (2015), and Wiggins & McTighe (2005).

References:

Alber, R. (2012). Deeper Learning: A Collaborative Classroom Is Key. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/deeper-learning-collaboration-key-rebecca-alber

Hess, K. (2018). A local assessment toolkit to promote deeper learning: Transforming research into practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Hess, K. & Gong, B. (2014). Ready for college and career? Achieving the Common Core Standards and beyond through deeper, student-centered learning. Quincy, MA: Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.karin-hess.com/free-resources.

Slavin, R. (1991). Synthesis of research on cooperative learningEducational Leadership, 48(5), 71-82.

Sousa, D. (2015). Brain-friendly assessments: What they are and how to use them. West Palm Beach, FL: Learning Sciences International.

Sparks, S. (2017). Children Must Be Taught to Collaborate, Studies Say. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/05/17/children-must-be-taught-to-collaborate-studies.html

Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (expanded 2nd edition). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.