What is Collective Intelligence?
Collective intelligence is when a group of minds (people) learn and arrive at solutions to a common problem. Our survival has been possible because of collective intelligence, where people passed wisdom from one generation to another. Collective intelligence is not just a group of minds working together; it can also involve generations working together.

Collaborative Learning
Collaboration offers numerous benefits. The first and foremost is equality and humility. It means that regardless of age, color, gender, etc., we learn to respect everyone. We learn to respect differences. We understand that each person is valuable and important as far as survival and learning are concerned. This realization, which brings equality, also makes us more humble, as we realize that we are not unique or special but that everyone is the same. We may have different skill sets or areas of interest, but that doesn’t make any of us special. Another benefit of collaborative learning is that we learn to interact and be social.

Example: Someone grows food for us, and we simply buy it. Sometimes, someone else cooks for us, and we eat; in return, we may sweep or clean the house. At the workplace, we handle one part of the work while others manage different parts, and that's how we accomplish our tasks and meet our needs. Not all of us can know or be good at everything, which is why collaboration is so important. We also learn better when we are with others, as relationships act as a catalyst for effective learning and work.

Professor James Paul Gee says that “Humans learn best from well-mentored, guided experience centered on interesting problems to solve, clear goals, copious feedback, and a relatively low cost for failure. This is what good games supply.”

Importance of colloboration in Schools
Collaboration is one of the 21st-century skills needed to solve the issues we humans are currently facing or are likely to face in the future. Today, we are facing challenges that need attention and serious thinking, and one person or mind alone can't solve these challenges. However, in schools, individualism is often prioritized over collaboration. I believe that much more can be learned than intended through this type of learning. Research shows (paper link mentioned in resources) that children learn better through this collaborative tool.

Some of these challenges include:
1. Climate change and global warming
2. Political polarization
3. The prevalence of processed food over healthy options
4. Inequality
5. Lack of value for things
6. Waste and garbage
7. Erosion of humanity

Processes and Benefits of Collaborative Learning in Science Teaching
In my teaching approach, which emphasizes Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), collaborative learning plays a crucial role. The aim is to encourage students to delve deeper into questions, helping them to better understand and make sense of their learning. For a Grade 8 lesson on electricity, I implemented collaborative learning by organizing students into groups of 4-5, forming a total of five groups.

• Group Formation: Each group was given a tray of materials, such as bulbs, wires, cells with holders, and switches. To support their efforts, I had done some pre-work, like screwing wires into holders. These groups were essential in fostering collaboration, where students could engage with one another to explore the concepts of electricity.
• Task Design: The idea was to ask open-ended questions and let the children find answers by working together. They performed experiments and engaged in discussions within their groups. It was fascinating to observe the debates and exchanges of ideas, which helped deepen their understanding.
• Facilitation and Guidance: For example, I asked them how they thought the bulb in our lab was working and what was required for it to work. Their responses varied—from wires under the walls to switches providing energy, and some even suggested that the energy came from far away. I then challenged them to use the materials provided to light the bulb without giving any instructions on how to connect it. Initially, they had no bulb holders or cell holders—just bulbs, wires, and cells. It was intriguing to watch them try different methods, assist each other, and shout instructions amidst the necessary chaos. This active engagement was crucial for their learning.
• Group Discussions and Sharing: I noticed that some children struggled to engage, particularly those who were not initially placed with friends. Once I adjusted the groupings to include their friends, their participation increased, and they became more involved in trying different solutions. Some groups successfully lit the bulb, while others, inspired by their peers, either adopted similar methods or continued experimenting with their own ideas. This process requires patience, but it is essential for fostering a collaborative learning environment.Towards the end of the lesson, each group presented and drew their circuits on the board. We then discussed and learned to use standard symbols, recognizing that not all students were comfortable drawing the components. This sharing process was vital in consolidating their knowledge and learning from each other's experiences.
• Scaffolding and Incremental Challenge: During the sharing session, I asked follow-up questions like whether the bulb could be connected at any point on it. The students explained that the bulb would only light if connected at two specific points. We also discussed the role of cells and terminals, gradually introducing the concept of adding a switch to their circuits. This scaffolding allowed students to build on their existing knowledge incrementally.
• Parental Involvement: To extend learning beyond the classroom, I assigned a project that involved parents. I asked parents to purchase a few kits and provided puzzles for the children to solve at home. Many students reported that their concepts became much clearer after working with their parents or siblings. This approach not only reinforced their understanding but also engaged the parents in their child's learning journey, fostering a collaborative effort between school and home.

This method of collaborative learning, combined with inquiry-based exploration, not only deepened the students' understanding of electricity but also developed their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Resources: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325650291_Collective_Intelligence_Education_Enhancing_the_Collaborative_Learning