A CoP is Collaborative Learning, not Lecture

I was recently at an event for GAMP5 that billed itself as a community of practice. Instead, it was a bunch of lectures, a lot of being talked at, and no collaborative learning.

Collaborative learning is an educational approach where two or more individuals work together to understand a concept, solve a problem, or create a product. This method leverages the group members’ collective resources, skills, and knowledge, fostering an environment where participants actively engage with each other to achieve shared learning goals. It is the heart of a flourishing community of practice and something we should do much more as industry professionals.

Key Characteristics of Collaborative Learning

1. Group Dynamics: Collaborative learning involves small groups, typically ranging from pairs to groups of no more than six members, where each member contributes to the group’s success. The interaction among group members is crucial, as it involves sharing ideas, evaluating each other’s contributions, and collectively solving problems.
2. Active Engagement: Unlike traditional individual learning, collaborative learning requires active participation from all members. This engagement can take various forms, including face-to-face discussions, online forums, group projects, and peer reviews.
3. Shared Responsibility: In collaborative learning, responsibility and authority are distributed among group members. Each participant is accountable not only for their own learning but also for helping their peers understand and succeed.
4. Diverse Perspectives: Collaborative learning often brings together individuals from different backgrounds, promoting diversity of thought and fostering open-mindedness and acceptance.

Benefits of Collaborative Learning

1. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Working in groups exposes participants to various perspectives and approaches, which can lead to more effective problem-solving strategies.
2. Improves Communication Skills: Collaborative learning requires clear and effective verbal and written communication, which helps participants develop strong communication skills.
3. Fosters Social Interaction: By working together, participants practice and enhance social skills such as active listening, empathy, and respect, essential for building strong personal and professional relationships.
4. Promotes Critical Thinking: The need to discuss, debate, and defend ideas in a group setting encourages participants to think critically and deeply about the subject matter.
5. Encourages Creativity: Exchanging diverse ideas and perspectives can inspire creative solutions and innovative thinking.

Theoretical Background

Collaborative learning is rooted in Lev Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development concept, which emphasizes the importance of social interaction and communication in learning. According to Vygotsky, learners can achieve higher levels of understanding and retain more information when they work collaboratively, as they can learn from each other’s experiences and insights.

Examples of Collaborative Learning Activities

1. Think-Pair-Share: Participants think about a question individually, discuss their thoughts with a partner, and then share their conclusions with the larger group.
2. Jigsaw Method: Participants are divided into “home” groups, and each member becomes an expert on a subtopic. They then teach their subtopic to their group members, ensuring everyone understands the topic.
3. Fishbowl Debate: Small groups of participants debate a topic, with some members observing and taking notes. This method encourages active participation and critical thinking.
4. Case Studies: Groups analyze and discuss real-world scenarios, applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
5. Online Forums: Participants collaborate through discussion boards or live collaboration software, sharing ideas and working together on projects.