What is Collaborative Learning? (1.1)

Prepare to record the discussion on a white board, flip chart, shared document or slide deck, or using an online whiteboard tool.

Begin by introducing the learning goals of this activity.

Introduce the following prompts. Allow five minutes of silent reflection and writing before inviting participants to share their answers.

• Think back to a time when you had a positive collaborative experience. Really try to remember a specific example. Where were you? Why were you collaborating?

• Take a moment to remember it. If you have a piece of paper, jot down a few descriptive words. Why did it work well? What made it a positive collaborative experience?

• What are the traits or characteristics of a positive collaborative experience?

Once participants have had a few minutes to reflect, ask the group to share their positive collaboration traits or characteristics. Try to record the answers thematically, if possible. Do not engage in discussion or explanation of traits. Generate a broad list of positive attributes.

Online adaptation: Invite participants to type in a shared document, create shapes & add text on slides, or add notes on an online whiteboard. Ask participants to organize the notes thematically as they share ideas. Example of outcome of steps 2&3:  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1pPCJEtqbSA1dBKMmJdZUKtc1GOOKrGuKnz5M1gLrVS4/preview

Next, using a slightly expedited process, invite participants to think back to a negative collaborative discussion experience:

• Why was it bad? What are some characteristics of negative collaboration?

• What should be avoided when collaborating with others?

Invite participants to think for a couple of minutes and then share 2-3 characteristics of a negative collaborative experience. Record as before.

In pairs or small groups, invite participants to review the lists and identify at least 5 common attributes associated with successful collaboration. Discuss their importance and rank them. For example:

• Diversity of perspective

• Trust and respect within the group

• Responsiveness to team members

• Familiarity

• Playfulness

Repeat this process for negative collaborative experiences.

Invite participants to review the full lists on the flip chart, the online whiteboard, or shared document/slides. Discuss what collaboration means to the full group:

• What are some common observations? Do themes or schemes of analysis emerge from these lists?

• Which attributes are most likely to undermine the success of collaboration?

• Which attributes would make for the most ideal discussion environment?

• Who is responsible for successful collaboration?

• How do we create a positive collaborative experience?

POST-SESSION ACTIVITIES

Reflection Journal

• Do you believe “the many are smarter than the few?” Is this always the case?

• What preconditions or factors are necessary to help make this a true statement?

• What factors or circumstances might undermine this idea?

• When should we seek out collaboration and when should we avoid it?

Practice Journal

This week, select your top five collaboration traits and try to use these traits to help you work through a challenge or assignment with others. You may apply these attributes within an existing group or form a small collaborative group. Describe your experience. Reflect on how best to maximize positive collaborative attributes in future groups.