What Role Does the Teacher Play in Collaborative Learning?

Often students are forced to memorize which curtails their creativity, critical thinking and cognitive abilities since the major focus in such a situation is on the result. This shortcoming of the traditional method of teaching is something of which we are all aware. Collaborative learning is another method of teaching which includes groups of students and teachers. In this method, the majority of the time students work in groups and they seek solutions and create amazing things together. 

Collaborative studying is a method which allows students to attempt learning new things together by group projects, assignments, etc. This type of learning provides the students with the opportunity to learn from other skills and resources. The concept helps the students engage in new processes of information by putting in new efforts instead of just memorizing techniques for learning. 

Collaborative Learning: What role do teachers play?

Collaborative studying does not only include students but also teachers and teachers are not only included but they play a very important role in it. Here we have mentioned the role teachers play in collaborative type of learning. 

• The first role is to form groups and assist the students with good environments as well as activities 
• Teachers also have to provide opportunities and tasks to the students to promote this type of learning 
• They have to structure the groups in such a way which involves diversity 
• Teachers are also supposed to offer resources and study materials to the students 
• Conducting assessments of the students in groups is also the role of teachers 

These all tasks make the role of teachers in collaborative studying and we can understand why students need their teachers for effective results. 

Benefits of Collaborative Learning for Students 

1. It encourages the students to learn from their fellow learners and they can also explain ideas and concepts to each other in a better way. 
2. It also encourages critical thinking among the students to discuss ideas in groups and give feedback to each other. Understanding and evaluating each others’ opinions and ideas boost critical thinking among learners. 
3. When students work in groups to solve problems and complete tasks it improves their ability to problem-solving. 
4. Working in groups also improves communication skills as students engage in discussion, exchange ideas, conduct debates and speak their minds to each other. 
5. Cultural awareness also increases as students from different cultures and sections study together and they encounter new ways of working with different ideas and beliefs. 

Collaborative Learning: Some examples of the same 

Some of the examples of this type of learning are working on projects in groups, preparing assignments, etc. Conducting plays and dramas is also one example where the students learn the depth of various responsibilities they have to take on to successfully finish the task. 

Games and competitions increase team spirit and competitiveness among the students and they learn to build trust. The collaborative way of learning is a unique way which promotes and builds practical skills among the students instead of traditional ways which mostly include memorizing things.

Also Read: Why is lifelong learning important in life?