Giving Compass' Take:

• The author offers suggestions on how teachers can harness technology in the classroom to promote student collaboration. 

• One of the suggestions is incorporating project-based learning. What other types of learning styles help effectively foster collaboration in schools? 

• Read more tips on creating a collaborative classroom. 

In classrooms today, it is not uncommon to see students working together in small groups with their peers or even working in stations around the room and interacting with their teacher. Collaborative learning is not something new, teachers have been using this method in classrooms for many years. The changes, however, come in the types of activities used as well as the different tools available for having students collaborate.

In order to create the best opportunities for students to collaborate, teachers need to consider what the purpose is of designing a more collaborative and interactive learning environment. A lot of possibilities exist, it simply comes down to what is available in terms of technology and what the specific needs are that the collaboration will help to serve.

  • Google and Microsoft: Many students are part of schools that either use Google or Microsoft as their classroom management systems.
  • Blogging: Blogging is a good way to help students develop their literacy skills and to practice the content by applying their knowledge in a more authentic way.
  • Project Based Learning: The use of project-based learning is a good way to help students prepare for their future by engaging in authentic work, exploring real-world issues and working with peers to come to a solution.
  • Hands-on activities: There are a lot of different learning possibilities that come down to simply using the traditional tools of paper, pencil, markers, and other classroom materials.
  • Creating a wall of discussion: Students need to be involved in class discussions however at times, they may not feel comfortable speaking in front of their peers.

Read the full article about student collaboration by Rachelle Dene Poth at Getting Smart