Collaborative Learning/Best Practices

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Best practices are methods or techniques that have consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means, and that are used as benchmarks.[1] Collaborative learning best practices include cooperation over competition, team size, team charters, and outcomes assessment.

Cooperation Over Competition[edit | edit source]

Collaborative group experiences must encourage cooperation over competition. This is accomplished by promoting positive interdependence, promotive interaction, individual responsibility and accountability, interpersonal group skills, and group reflection.[2]

  • Positive interdependence is created when students have a common goal, with interdependent skills, roles, and reward structure.
  • Promotive interaction takes place through group information sharing, and a combination of teammates encouraging and challenging the work that is produced.
  • Individual responsibility and accountability is maintained when group sizes are small, performance is assessed individually, and group members are able to hold each other accountable for their contributions.
  • Interpersonal group skills are encouraged through an effective introduction process, followed by promotion of positive communication, support, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Group reflection encourages the group to review their efforts and determine which actions were helpful and should be repeated, and which actions were ineffective and should be revised.

Team Size[edit | edit source]

Teams perform best in groups of three to five students.[3]

  • Teams of two tend to result in a dominant member making all decisions.
  • Teams larger than five result in passive members who do not contribute to the project.
  • Smaller teams have fewer lines of communication and are more productive.
  • Forming teams of only three to four students allows space for a fifth member to be added should any later team membership adjustments be necessary.

Team Charter[edit | edit source]

The use of a team charter, team contract, policies and expectations agreement, or similar document encourages effective communication and conflict resolution. Include sections for:[4]

  • Purpose and objectives
  • Contact information
  • Member strengths
  • Roles required and how roles will be filled
  • Communication methods and frequency
  • Meeting plans
  • Team expectations
  • Decision-making process
  • Conflict resolution approach

Outcomes Assessment[edit | edit source]

Collaborative projects must be consistent with course objectives. This may include both individual and collective outcomes. Outcomes may be assessed using:[5]

  • Individual or team self-assessment
  • Instructor assessment
  • External assessment (stakeholder review)

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]