Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Collaborate to Learn

The Social Learning Theory states that student's learn best when working with others. In Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development students need varying levels of support to learn at their instructional level (Laureate, 2009). The person supplying the support does not have to be an adult or teacher. The support can come from a peer in the form of a partner or member of a cooperative group. In a cooperative group each member is responsible for the success or learning of each other (Laureate, 2009).

Another primary component of the social learning theory is that students are actively engaged in building while conversing with each other. Technology provides many avenues for students to engage in learning while creating artifacts. Students can create web pages; solve web quests, or other multimedia tool such as power point (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).

Working collaboratively also supports the social learning theory through problem based learning. By working cooperatively to solve a problem, each student brings a unique perspective and strength to the project. Students cooperate to learn, apply their knowledge, and demonstrate their understanding by developing a solution. Through consistently working in collaborative groups, students build their communication, leadership, and team work skills (Pitler et al, 2007).

References:

Laureate Education Inc., (2009). Social Learning Theories. Bridging learning, theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

5 comments:

  1. Courtney-
    What cooperative learning strategies do you use in your classroom? Are you implementing social learning activities on a daily basis?
    I know you teach fourth grade and was not sure how the younger students handle such opportunities. In my seventh grade classroom the students typically are distracted by gossip and lose focus on the academic activity if we have too many opportunities for social learning.
    -Meghan

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  2. Meghan,
    I teach in an inclusion classroom so differentiation is key. I have students working 2 grade levels below and 2 grade levels above. One strategy that I use with my social learning groups is that I use a tape recorder to have them tape their discussion (either about a book or a project). I then can listen to their discussion later on and at times review it with them for feedback. I don't always listen to it, but just having it there keeps them focused. I have students who participate in independent book discussions, when teaching an objective in Science I have leveled materials with differentiated note taking outlines and students working in pairs, independently, or in teacher led groups. There is some element of social cooperative learning in each days plans.

    Thanks for asking,
    Courtney

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  3. I like the aspect of keeping focus on the "other" factor when it comes to social learning. I know that sometimes I get caught up in the feeling that I have to be the one imparting all of the knowledge and forget to design things so that students can share knowledge with students. They are teaching and learning all at the same time.

    I like your idea of using the tape recorder for a focusing tool and then as a feedback instrument.

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  4. Courtney,
    Social learning is a great method of learning, but many traditional teachers look down upon it. If they are accustomed to a classroom that is nearly silent while students work individually, a classroom with social learning going on may seem like an out of control environment to them. I admit it is tough to manage a classroom with social learning happening because of the tendency for students to have off-topic conversation, but it is possible. The teacher is also forced to pay attention to every student’s body language instead of just listening for disruptions in order to catch problems between students early on. This can be much more difficult for the teacher then making sure everyone just stays quiet, but social learning creates a much more collaborative environment with a sense of community and brings out the leadership qualities in many students.
    Rob

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  5. I enjoy using social learning in my class as well. Keeping the kids focussed on the task at hand is often times a struggle. the knowledge students learn from one another is priceless though.

    travis

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