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Collaborative & Cooperative Learning
What is it? 
Collaborative learning refers to a method of teaching and learning in which students work together to discuss, explore, solve a problem, create a project or presentation, debate, and so on. In collaborative learning activities students are often assessed as a group.
Similarly, cooperative learning is a type of collaborative learning. In cooperative learning, students work together in small groups on a specific structured activity. Usually in cooperative learning groups students are assessed on both individual work and their contribution to the group.
Collaborative & Cooperative Learning
What are the educational uses and benefits?
- Students can share strengths and also develop their weaker skills.
- Helps to develop interpersonal skills. They learn to deal with conflict.
- Learners actively participate.
- Students can use past experience as strengths in the group process.
- Students are invested in their own learning.
Collaborative & Cooperative Learning
Can I see an example?
An example of Collaborative & Cooperative Learning is coming soon! Please check back!
Collaborative & Cooperative Learning
How do I get started?
When creating cooperative or collaborative learning groups it is important to ensure that:
- Groups remain small enough for each student to contribute to the group
- Each student is assigned a role by the instructor or the group whether formally or informally
- The task and expectations of the individuals and the group are clearly defined
Synchronous Collaborative & Cooperative Groups
Tools and Techniques that can be used in collaborative and cooperative groups in a synchronous setting include:
- Application Sharing
- Audio Conferencing
- Brainstorming
- Breakout Rooms
- Case Studies
- Collaborative/Peer Editing
- E-Learning at UF
- Elluminate Live!
- Google Earth
- Group Critiques
- Role Play
- Rubrics
- Video Conferencing
- Web Conferencing
- WebQuests
- Whiteboards
Asynchronous Collaborative & Cooperative Groups
Tools and Techniques that can be used in collaborative and cooperative groups in an asynchronous setting include:
Collaborative & Cooperative Learning
Where can I learn more?
Cooperative Learning
- Concept to Classroom - Collaborative Learning: Detailed explanation of collaborative and cooperative learning.
- Cooperative and Collaborative Learning: Suggestions and Resources
- Cooperative Learning: An article on why it is beneficial to utilize cooperative learning.
- Cooperative Learning: An article and resources on cooperative learning
- The Cooperative Learning Center: Information on cooperative learning including resources, research, and activities
- Wikipedia - Cooperative Learning: Detailed explanation and resources on cooperative learning
Collaborative Learning
- Concept to Classroom - Collaborative Learning: Detailed explanation of collaborative and cooperative learning.
- Cooperative and Collaborative Learning: Suggestions and Resources
- Collaborative Learning - Group Work and Study Teams: An article.
- Collaborative Learning Enhances Critical Thinking: An article
- Collaborative Learning - Reframing the classroom: An article
- Wikipedia - Collaborative Learning: A definition of collaborative learning.
For information on tools and techniques to help with synchronous collaborative & cooperative activities visit:
- Application Sharing
- Audio Conferencing
- Brainstorming
- Breakout Rooms
- Case Studies
- E-Learning at UF
- Elluminate Live!
- Google Earth
- Group Critiques
- Role Play
- Rubrics
- Video Conferencing
- Web Conferencing
- WebQuests
- Whiteboards
For information on tools and techniques to help with asynchronous collaborative & cooperative activities visit:
