How do you create a collaborative learning space?

1 Define the purpose

The first step is to define the purpose of the collaborative learning activity. What are the learning objectives that you want to achieve? How does the activity align with the curriculum and the assessment criteria? How will the activity benefit the students' learning and development? By clarifying the purpose, you can design the activity more effectively and communicate it clearly to the students.

2 Choose the group size and composition

The second step is to choose the group size and composition that best suit the purpose and the context of the activity. Depending on the nature and complexity of the task, the group size can range from two to six students, with smaller groups being more manageable and larger groups being more diverse. The group composition can be based on various criteria, such as ability, interest, personality, or random selection. You can either assign the groups yourself or let the students choose their own partners, depending on the level of autonomy and accountability that you want to foster.

3 Design the task and the process

The third step is to design the task and the process that will guide the students through the collaborative learning activity. The task should be challenging, meaningful, and relevant to the students' needs and interests. It should also have clear instructions, expectations, and criteria for success. The process should outline the roles, responsibilities, and norms for each group member, as well as the steps, resources, and tools that they will use to complete the task. You can also provide some scaffolding and support to help the students navigate the process, such as prompts, questions, feedback, or examples.

4 Prepare the environment and the materials

The fourth step is to prepare the environment and the materials that will facilitate the collaborative learning activity. The environment should be comfortable, flexible, and accessible for the students and their groups. It should also promote interaction, communication, and feedback among the students and between the students and you. The materials should be relevant, engaging, and appropriate for the task and the process. They should also be varied, diverse, and inclusive to cater to the different learning styles, preferences, and needs of the students.

5 Implement and monitor the activity

The fifth step is to implement and monitor the collaborative learning activity. You should introduce the activity to the students, explain the purpose, the task, and the process, and answer any questions or concerns that they may have. You should also model and demonstrate the expected behaviors and skills that you want them to use during the activity, such as listening, questioning, sharing, or negotiating. During the activity, you should observe and facilitate the groups, provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback, and intervene when necessary to resolve any issues or conflicts.

6 Evaluate and reflect on the activity

The sixth and final step is to evaluate and reflect on the collaborative learning activity. You should assess the students' performance, products, and outcomes, using the criteria that you established at the beginning. You should also elicit the students' feedback, opinions, and suggestions, using various methods, such as surveys, quizzes, discussions, or portfolios. You should also reflect on your own practice, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the activity, and consider the areas for improvement or modification for future activities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?