The Effectiveness of Collaborative Learning Approach to Students Learning

Chapter 1

Problem and a Review of Related Literature

Introduction

The concept of collaborative learning is an educational approach to teaching and learning

that involves groups of learners working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a

product. It is based on the idea that learning is a naturally social act in which the participants talk

among themselves. It is through the talk that learning occurs.

In recent years, there are many teaching and learning approaches that have been used by

the teachers to provide a quality education. When teachers brought their classes into the room,

students worked individually on lessons for one or double periods. In such learning environment,

learning may not fit in individual needs; it also created problems such as increasing anxiety,

hostility, and boredom of students. Students are generally isolated from one another in the learning

setting. The student was discouraged from sharing information or providing assistance to and by

other students.

The above problems caused in a teacher-centered classroom could be alleviated by

collaborative learning. It is a combination of instructional strategies in which a group of students

master their learning through collaborative efforts. Students work in small mixed-ability learning

teams and draw on each other's strength and help each other to accomplish a common academic

goal. This method encourages supportive relationships, good communication skills and higher-

level thinking abilities. The rationale for collaborative learning is heterogeneous groups working

towards a common goal with group members responsible for their teammates' learning and their

own learning.
The Effectiveness of Collaborative Learning Approach to Students Learning

The aims of collaborative learning are to encourage cooperative group relationships, to

develop students' self-esteem, and to increase students' academic achievements. In traditional

school learning, individual students usually study in a competitive situation. If one succeeds, others

will fail.

In collaborative learning, individuals will interact with one another and will develop group

skills such as discussion skills and interpersonal skills in a collaborative learning situation.

Moreover, collaborative learning is a combination of instructional strategies that encourages

student to work together as a team. They share responsibility in learning for their own team as well

as enhancing their face-to-face interaction and encouraging one another to do well.

According to Onabanjo 2000, there are interesting collaborative learning strategies that

will enable students to have active control over their own learning and will also enhance academic

achievement in education today. Moreover, collaborative learning is an instructional program in

which students work in small groups to help one another master academic content. (Wichadee

2007)

One of the major reasons for this downturn in students’ achievement in the subject is the

non-utilization of necessary techniques in teaching. The point is to seek effort that will employ a

collaborative approach or approaches that will enhance better academic learning of students.