Debate: collaborative learning

Today also we have made a debate about collaborative learning. As a result, the class has been split in two: those who supported collaborative learning and those who don't. I was in the first group so it was easier to run out the debate because my ideas were more according to collaborative learning rather than against it. These are the arguments my group developed.

Arguments for collaborative learning:

- People who work with collaborative activities work in small groups were people complement and help each other.

- Teachers can attend individually those children who need specific help.

- People are more involved, therefore, more motivated.

- Collaborative thinking is promoted.

- Children learn to deal with other people.

- The teacher learns from the activity, thus his job is more rewarding than a traditional lecture.

- It allows each student to learn in his own rhythm.

- Shy students might ask more questions to their mates rather than to their teacher in a traditional class.

- Sometimes, students understand better their mates' explanations.

- Self-confidence is developed.

- Communication skills are developed.

- Skills gain importance as it is essential to explain things to others.

- Autonomy is developed.

Furthermore, Miguel has provided as with some more arguments which supported this methodology.

                                    

During the debate, some of the arguments of the other group were:

- Different speeds may lead to some tension within the group.

- Sometimes some people in the group do the whole work.

- Collaborative learning depends very much on the members of the group.

- It is a waste of time.

- It is an utopia.

- Since the teacher is the one who makes the groups, what happens if they don't get along?

- What happens if the rest of the group are narrow-minded and ignore a mate?

At the end of the class, most of us were in favor of collaborative learning. From my point of view, collaborative learning can be "easily" carried out in primary education. However, we should change our mind about our conception of education and learning. This is not only a task of the goverment but also of the whole population.