Collaborative/ group-work/ co-operative/ social/ community of practice approaches are activity-based constructivist approaches to learning and the focus is on students learning by talking, debating, solving problems, sharing their experience and constructing new meanings.

This video highlights how Active Learning Classrooms have been used at McGill University

Some examples of activities:

• Collis and Moonen’s contributing student approach suggests students: discover, explore, plan, draft, create and share re-usable output, and reflect (Collis & Moonen, 2005);
• Kagan cooperative activities include: rally robin; timed pair share, round robin, rally coach and stand up/hand up/pair up.
• Laurillard’s Conversational Framework includes students in: accessing explanations, asking questions and getting feedback, applying their understanding and getting feedback, repeating practice, discussing with peers, reflecting on experience, sharing products (Laurillard, 2009)

More Reading:

• Cornell University’s guide to Collaborative Learning has a good selection of tips and activities.
• Vanderbilt University guide to Cooperative Learning has a good overview and resources.

The ideas for technology enhanced learning activities below use a range of tools and are based on the Best Practice Principles.