Literature and Language: Collaborative Learning

Collaborative Learning
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COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Introduction
Despite the fact that collaborative learning is commonly used in Australia as a means of assessment in universities and higher learning institutions, both tutors and students regard it as a challenging approach. Collaborative learning refers to as the environments and methodologies where learners engage in a particular task where each individual is accountable and depends on each other. In order for all students to utilize the learning of other students as well as that of their own, the system involves small groups. In other words, collaborative learning is a process of sharing creation. It is the coming together of two or more individual students to share their understanding as well as their conception of a particular concept or discipline that none of them could have possessed previously and or they could never have attained on their own (Davies, 2009). This approach of learning may include group projects, and collaborative writings among other learning activities. This approach is further linked to co-operative learning concepts common in learning organizations, communities and professionals (Kenneth, 1999). Teachers are recommended to collegially work with other teams and colleagues in order to enhance their teaching profession and to further their own learning. Herein are the merits of collaborative learning and the factors that may contribute to the failure or the success of the philosophy of collaborative learning.
Collaborative learning is beneficial to both the student and the tutors in a number of ways. If philosophy is put into practice systematically, it is due to bear much fruits to the students as well as the tutors. The following are some of the merits related to collaborative learning in universities and colleges in Australia.
One of the advantages of collaborative learning is the essence of time saving. Through collaborating with other students or fellow tutors much can be achieved within a very short period of time. This therefore leads to saving much time. This in turn creates room for students to learn more. Problems are solved faster and more appropriately. The efficiency brought about by the collaboration of various individuals together, solves the problem of repeating projects and other assignments (Davies, 2009). It is encouraging to students to move on with the course. This on the other hand saves tutors the struggle with making students understand a concept. The philosophy of individuals working together is vital in that it gives people the ability to accomplish large projects that individuals would not have managed within the same time frame.
The other advantage of collaborative learning is that students relate more to other students than to the tutors. It becomes easier to move along someone who shares a common agenda as you. Therefore, as the students are in the same level it becomes easier for them to understand each other as well as tolerating the ignorance of other members. This may not be the case with the tutors (Wilson & Stacy, 2004). The other fact related to this merit is that it helps save time on both sides. Since students can help each other understand the concepts themselves, there is no need of looking for the tutor to explain the concept. Similarly tutors are saved the havoc of long lines of students seeking explanations of concepts they did not understand in class (Kenneth, 1999).
Uniqueness of ideas is another merit of collaborative learning. Each student has their own ideas and conception of subjects. This therefore, makes it easy for the students to understand the topic easily and comfortably (Alberto, Amaury, Jennifer, & Partrick, 2002). When these ideas are all put together, it is guaran...