5.1 Collaborative Learning Environment

A collaborative learning environment offers benefits to both teachers and students. Teachers have the opportunity to take a step back from the podium and let students have more ownership in their learning. Students can work together to locate materials or information that pertains to the topic and subject area of study while the teacher guides them along. The classroom evolves from being teacher centered instruction student centered. I like to picture the first model like the teacher Ms. Frizzle on the Scholastic cartoon and book series, “The Magic School Bus.” Ms. Frizzle drives the bus and decides where the students will go. The collaborative environment is more like a Surrey bicycle with both the teacher and students all contributing to pedaling and determining the final destination.

Collaborative learning encourages students to work with their classmates, not just alongside them. Typically students will be assigned a section to work on as part of a whole. The students will become an expert in one area and learn additional information from classmates posts or shared sources.

This allows teachers the opportunity to work more one on one with students during instructional time. Teachers are more available when they are serving as a guide rather than standing at the center of the classroom with all eyes on them to deliver information. Collaborative learning environments allow for more differentiation due to flexibility in assigning student roles and pacing.