Joint task solving by the whole group online

   Cooperative learning is an educational approach where students work together in small groups or teams to achieve a common goal or complete a specific task. It differs from traditional teaching methods, which are primarily focused on individual learning and competition. 

   In cooperative learning, students work together, talk to each other, and help each other learn. They think that by doing this, they will be able to understand and remember what they are learning even better.

The benefits of co-education. 

Co-education offers a wide range of benefits for both students and teachers. 5 main advantages:

• Improved educational outcomes: When students work together, they can explain concepts to each other, fill in knowledge gaps and offer different points of view, which leads to better understanding and memorization of the material.

• Better Social skills: Working in groups helps students learn how to talk to others, listen well, and solve problems when they disagree. These skills are valuable not only in the classroom, but also in future careers and everyday life.

• Increase motivation and engagement. Students are often more motivated and involved when they work in groups. Realizing that their ideas are important to the group makes them want to participate more and enjoy learning.

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Collaborative learning requires students to analyze information and solve problems collectively. This helps them to think critically better and solve difficult problems.

• Be prepared for real teamwork: Collaborative learning reflects real-world situations where collaboration is important. By working in groups, students are better prepared for future careers and life scenarios that require teamwork and collaboration.

Key characteristics of collaborative learning:

• Positive interdependence: In cooperative learning, students must work together to achieve their goals. This shared responsibility creates a sense of community and encourages students to provide help and support.

• Personal interaction: Students work closely together to ensure direct communication and interaction. This facilitates discussion, problem solving, and the exchange of ideas.

• Individual responsibility: Even though they are in a group, each student is responsible for their own learning. They need to make sure they help the group and understand the material.

• Interpersonal skills: Collaborative learning teaches students how to talk to others, work as a team, lead, and peacefully resolve differences.

• Group processing: After completing the task, the group members analyze their collective work. This reflection allows them to assess what went well and what could have been better in terms of the group's work and the quality of its work.

• Teacher Assistance: Teachers play a crucial role in collaborative learning by structuring tasks, providing guidance, and monitoring group dynamics. They create an environment in which everyone collaborates and participates.

14 practical strategies for collaborative learning.

Collaborative learning includes various activities and strategies that encourage students to work together in small groups or teams to achieve a common learning goal. Here are some popular collaborative learning strategies:

1. A puzzle game
Divide a complex topic into smaller parts or topics. Assign each student or group a research topic and become an "expert" in it. Then invite students to form new groups where each participant presents a separate topic. They share their experiences in order to comprehensively understand the whole topic.

2. Think-Couple-Share
Ask a question or problem to the class. Give students time to think about their answers individually. Then invite them to pair up with a neighbor to discuss their thoughts. Then invite the couples to share their ideas with the class. This strategy encourages participation and ensures that even shy students get the opportunity to express their ideas.

3. Circular brainstorming
In a circle, invite students to take turns sharing ideas related to a topic or question. Each student contributes one idea before passing it on to the next student. This activity promotes equal participation.

4. Collegial editing and revision
After students write essays or reports, ask them to share their work with a partner for editing and revision. They can leave feedback and suggestions for improving each other's work.

5. Joint narration
Start the story with one or two sentences, and let each student or group complete it in a circle. The goal is to create a unique and creative story together.

6. Walk through the gallery
Post various student papers in the classroom. Students walk in small groups, discuss their work and leave feedback or comments on stickers. This encourages peer review and reflection.

7. Group problem solving
Imagine a complex problem that requires several steps to solve. Students work in groups to discuss and develop solutions together. They can then share their strategies and conclusions with the class.

8. Numbered heads together
Assign each student in the group a number. Ask a question or state a problem, and when you call the number, the student with that number should answer on behalf of the group. This encourages teamwork and ensures everyone's involvement.

9. Joint quizzes
Instead of traditional individual tests, invite students to work together in small groups and answer questions. They can discuss and discuss the answers before sending a group response.

10. Role-playing or simulation
Create scenarios related to the content of the lesson. Assign roles to students in each group and invite them to act out a scenario or participate in a simulation that requires collaboration and problem solving.

11. Group poster or presentation
Assign a research topic to the groups and create a poster or presentation on it. Each member of the group has a specific role (for example, researcher, presenter, visual designer). They work together to gather information and present it to the class.

12. Debate groups
Form discussion groups in which students should jointly explore arguments and counterarguments on a particular topic. It develops critical thinking and persuasive communication skills.

13. Inside-out circle
Students stand in two concentric circles, the inner circle facing the outer circle. They engage in brief discussions or share ideas with a partner, and then one of the circles rotates, allowing students to interact with a new partner. This method facilitates multiple interactions and discussions.

14. Joint reading groups
Divide the students into small reading groups. Assign different roles within each group, such as generalizing, asking, clarifying, and predicting. Each student reads a part of the text, and then shares with the group his thoughts related to the roles. This promotes active reading and understanding.

    These collaborative learning strategies promote active participation, teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills of students, while making learning more fun and interactive. Teachers can choose the activities that best suit their learning goals and the dynamics of their classroom.