Module Overview

In this learning module participants will look at methods for increasing student engagement through collaboration. Here we will examine methods for engaging students with each other. Collaboration can take many forms, from working on completing a task with a partner or in a small group, to discussing ideas, solution strategies and so forth, as a whole class or in small groups. The goal of collaboration is to gain a deeper understanding of the content by hearing, considering, questioning, and learning from different ideas. The more students are exposed and required to think about other ideas the better they are able to frame and internalize their own understanding. 

Learning Objectives

• Objective 1: Participants will be able to explain the importance of and methods for effectively using collaborative learning to engage students with both the content and with each other.

• Objective 2: Participants will be able to examine and evaluate their own instructional practices to determine how personal knowledge and beliefs regarding collaboration have driven practices in the past, the impact of those practices on student learning, and make determinations on what practices they want to put in place to make changes regarding collaboration in the future.

• Objective 3: Participants will be able to evaluate lessons for opportunities for enhancement through collaboration.

• Objective 4: Participants will be able to design, develop, and implement lessons that increase student engagement through collaboration. 

Impact on Classroom Practice and Student Learning

Teachers will be able to provide students with opportunities to collaborate during rigorous, relevant learning. This collaboration will allow students to experience a variety of views, learn to work with others, and engage in shared problem solving.