Elements of Collaborative Learning

There are five elements of collaborative learning:

1. Clearly perceived positive interdependence
2. Considerable interaction
3. Individual accountability and personal responsibility to achieve group goals
4. Use of the relevant interpersonal and small group skills
5. Frequent and regular group processing of current functioning to improve the group's future effectiveness

1. Clearly Perceived Positive Interdependence

In collaborative learning the success of one person is bound up with the success of others. This is referred to as positive interdependence. There are many ways to ensure positive interdependence. Goal sharing is one way. This might include shared subject matter, a particular assessment, joint problem solving or creating and discovering something of value. Another way is role sharing. This occurs when each group member is given a specific role that gives a person specific responsibilities. The role describes what group activities that person might take and the contribution to the overall task. For example one person might be given responsibility for checking the accuracy of information, another to make links between theory and practice, whilst another has responsibility for summarising information for the group. Resource information contributes to positive interdependence and exists when each group member has only part of the information, cases, material or other resources necessary for the group to achieve its task. Finally, task interdependence is structured by creating a division of labour so that the actions of one group member have to be completed before the next member can complete their tasks.

2. Interaction

Individual students are encouraged to assist others in the group to complete tasks in order to reach the group's goals. In other words there is an expectation that students will help each other so that common goals can be achieved. Help may be resources, advice, provision of feedback and challenging conclusions.

3. Individual Accountability and Personal Responsibility

Everyone is expected to do their fair share of work and it is important for all group members to know that they cannot 'free ride.' Fair sharing of work can be achieved by:

• Keeping the group small: the smaller the group, the greater the individual accountability
• Testing every student
• Observing the group and recording the frequency with which each member contributes to the group's work
• Ask one group member to check the work of others through use of reasoning
• Having students teach what they have learned to someone else

4. Small Group Skills

Interpersonal skills are important. In order to achieve these goals students must

• Get to know and trust each other
• Communicate clearly
• Provide and accept support
• Resolve conflict constructively

5. Group Processing

Group work is effective when group participants reflect on how well they function as a group. This reflection assists members to maintain good working relationships. Reflection may focus on such things as relationships between people, facilitation of collaborative skills, rewarding of positive behaviour and the celebration of success.