As a child I kept to myself. It was also not until fifth grade that I found myself flourishing in a school environment. While before I accomplished good grades and completed all of my work. In fifth grade, I found myself making friends, working well in groups, and communicating effectively with my fellow classmates. After learning to collaborate I began to better understand material and found my inner voice.
I see collaborative learning as students engaging and working with one another to solve problems or complete tasks. According to the video, Collaborative Learning Builds Deeper Understanding, “collaborative learning has been shown to result in higher student achievement, higher self-esteem, and higher motivation for all students.” It is no coincidence that students who learn to adapt and work with others are more successful that students who do not. It is essential in most jobs to be able to work in groups and to be able to use information and experiences to solve problems. Many people can learn a subject or acquire knowledge, but it is those who adapt and apply this knowledge who have truly learned.
One example of collaborative learning in a current classroom model is leading discussions around a table about a book. Another example could be working in groups to solve math problems and encouraging students to ask each other questions before asking the teacher.
However, classroom materials and learning methods have long since changed since our parents and grandparents were in school. Before, students were encouraged to be quite and agree with the learning materials and teachers points of view. Now, students are encouraged to think, share ideas, and challenge old learning materials. Old classrooms used blackboards and textbooks and now schools use projectors and tablets or online texts. Specifically, in high school and college, students have the option to work on group projects online using google docs and other web applications rather than collaborating in person. Thus, as technology evolves, collaborative learning will continue to evolve too.
Many people associate the learning with the classroom, however, collaborative learning reaches far beyond the classroom. Collaborative learning, in its truest form, can be seen throughout many different fields of work. In a Ted Talk, by Elora Hardy, titled Magical Houses, Made of Bamboo, Hardy talks about how no two bamboo poles are alike when building bamboo homes. This is interesting as no two situations in any job are exactly the same as well. Similarly, just as collaboration in necessary in building each different bamboo home, collaboration is also key in solving each unique problem at any job.
As an advertising and public relations major, it is important that students not only know topics touched on in class but that they can relate vocabulary and class discussions to internships or jobs. Consequently, if students refuse to accept constructive criticism and value true application of material, future job opportunities will be scarce or end with dissatisfaction. To continue learning and ensure success, I understand that working together and keeping up to date on technology is crucial.
Technology has grown an extensive amount during my life. The rise of social media has forever changed advertising and the way businesses connect with perspective customers. Social media and other forms of technology have made collaboration quicker and more efficient. In advertising and public relations, businesses can even work with the public to form more effective campaigns. Data is another way technology has expanded. Professionals in this field are now able to analyze and focus information in new ways every day.
I perceive the future of collaborative learning as having more opportunity than in the past. In the future, students and employees will be able to easily access and collaborate with individuals from all around the world. I see potential technology translating languages in real time and allowing people to work together more than ever before. With less barriers and more technological advanced products and applications, the sky is the limit when it comes to collaboration.
Thoughts of a Fiore Girl 