Collaborative learning: What is this trend all about?

A common complaint about online classes is that they affect mental health by turning students into loners. Through 2020 and 2021, online classes became a regular affair instead of a hobby class or a special tuition, as they were before. So, collaborative learning methods saw a rise in popularity. This has now solidified into a top trend across all modes of teaching.  

What is collaborative learning? 
But just what is collaborative learning and how does it work? It’s simply what we used to call ‘group study’, but conducted in an organised way. It’s a method in which peers or seniors are encouraged to work with fellow students on learning modules, projects, experiments and test preparation. With online and hybrid teaching formats becoming popular, collaborative learning groups can be an interest-based group across geographies and schools too.  

What makes collaborative learning popular?  
Educational researchers have found that through peer instruction, students teach each other by addressing misunderstandings and clarifying misconceptions. Peer-to-peer learning is fun and engaging for students, especially in the form of digital game-based learning, with students actively participating in the learning process. Collaboration also helps develop a social support system for learners and establishes a positive atmosphere, which leads to higher productivity.  

As for teachers, mentors and coaches, collaborative learning allows them to compare student strengths and weaknesses in a group, making it easier and fairer to assign marks. Online collaboration learning has brought back the classroom ‘flavour’ that any teachers have been missing. It also allows them to schedule individual and group assignments with greater ease.  

The new role of technology 
Peer learning has existed for decades. Learners huddling together on campus were a familiar sight. With the pandemic accelerating the adoption of digital technology, this key learning style got successfully incorporated into the e-learning curriculum as well. Course developers verify that collaborative tools and functions are available on the chosen Learning Management System (LMS) before rolling it out. An ideal LMS offers a truly connected and engaging experience for learners and teachers alike, allowing the same level of collaboration as a real classroom, with more space for individual attention.