Cooperative/Collaborative Learning

A Definition of Collaborative vs Cooperative Learning
Ted Panitz shares his understanding of the differences or characteristics associated with each teaching approach.

We never said it would be easy. A reality check!
Richard Felder identifies one of many challenges when trying something new in the classroom - student resistance. In particular, he identifies the transition process experienced by students as they adjust to taking greater learner responsibility. To get through the adjustment period, he shares an "arsenal of strategies" developed and used over his many years of teaching.

Faculty Resource: FAQs about Teaching Collaborative Activities (PDF format)
Directed towards professors, this resource addresses commons issues and concerns associated with the collaborative approach, offering tips, strategies and guidelines for use (e.g., assessment, forming groups).

Teaching with Collaborative Activities and Small Groups
Provides an introduction to collaborative learning for the instructor, along with guidelines for developing collaborative activities for in-classroom use.

Two Techniques to Foster Collaboration
Two strategies for fostering collaboration are described - "ground rules" and a "consensus framework". These strategies are best used once groups are formed and are essential to developing trust and respect, and forming a basis for group decision-making. The document is written for instructors and provides structured guidelines to facilitate their implementation.

Collaborative Group Work FASTFAX
Aimed specifically at students, this resource provides advice and guidelines, and details a selection of questions to guide discussion on working together effectively as a team.

Collaborative Learning
A comprehensive, well-indexed site on collaborative small group learning. Includes links to useful resources (e.g., teaching stories), to guidelines and tips on "doing" collaborative learning, to case studies.