In this update, I will be sharing about collaborative learning: definition, example, advantages, and limitations.

Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is defined as a learning approach wherein learners gather in a group to tackle, share, or exchange thoughts about a certain topic. Groups may vary according to learners’ preference, but the idea is they collectively gather their thoughts to achieve a certain goal such as solving a problem or making sense of the situation they are in.

This learning approach differs from cooperative learning. In cooperative learning, an individual member of the group is responsible for a certain role. They are assigned to certain tasks and they need to participate in those tasks, given the knowledge they acquired from the group discussions [1]. In terms of roles, cooperative learning is more structured than collaborative. Whereas in collaborative, it is up to the individual member to decide on what tasks do they need to accomplish.

Example:
Using the illustration below, I demonstrate some example of collaborative learning:

Here are some of the examples I personally made to better illustrate collaborative learning. I created the illustration using Canva.com

1. Developing a research project proposal for a community-based problem
2. Critical analysis of papers among colleagues
3. Discussing concepts and topics that are of interest to the participants
4. Organizational planning and support
5. Reporting on matters that concern the organization or group
6. Performing tasks on the certain field (i.e. policy-making)

Advantages
1. Makes knowledge accessible to many;
2. Gives multi-perspective on learning;
3. Capitalizes on critical thinking and analysis;
4. Offers participants a chance to address other’s opinions and thoughts; and
5. Improves confidence or capacity to interact in communication situations

Limitations
1. Not everyone is adaptive to collaborative learning, due to differences in personality;
2. There is a tendency that collaborative learning may not be effectively moderated if some participants in the group act as more superior or entitled to lead than others; and
3. Due to differences in learning phases, there is a possibility that some learners in a collaborative approach may not be able to adjust to the phasing of the group.

Reference:
[1] Valamis Hub (n.d.). What is Collaborative Learning?. Valamis. Retrieved from https://www.valamis.com/hub/collaborative-learning