In England Term first entered professional literature in the mid-50's in medicine. M.L.J. Abercrombie's teaching of medical students through group diagnosis. In the U.S. collaborative learning developed more from social and educational challenges than from theoretical foundations, such as progressive education or social constructionism. Listen to some critical points. Learning depends on rich contexts where students are asked to collaborate with their peers to identify and solve problems by engaging in higher order reasoning and problem solving skills.
Learners are diverse and have different backgrounds and experiences.
Students realize they can work with others to create knowledge and meaning. They no longer have to rely solely on the teacher and the textbook to construct meaning. From low or moderate expectations of preparation for class to high expectations. From a private presence in the classroom with few or no risks to a public presence with many risks. From attendance dictated by personal choice to attendance having to do with community or group expectation.