Collaborative learning refers to tasks students perform in groups of two or more. Tasks might include peer critiquing of papers, working together on a project or assignment, exploring content, and practicing skills. Many teachers believe that collaborative writing mirrors real-world writing situations.
Professionals often cooperate on presentations, reports, and projects.
Other teachers believe that the instant feedback and sense of audience group work can provide helps students make their explanations and ideas more persuasive. Teachers do find that students don't always accept responsibility or share it fairly. Some feel that too much collaborative work can lead students to depend too much on others for ideas. Most teachers find that groups sessions must be carefully planned and monitored. Below are some strategies and general guidelines for setting up peer groups , peer critiquing , collaborative writing tasks , and a student handout .