Collaborative Learning/Benefits
The benefits of collaborative learning include better student engagement and improved student success as measured by student grades, course completion, long-term persistence from semester to semester, and degree completion. "Students learn more when they are actively involved in their education and engage in joint educational efforts with other students."[1]
The Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) measures student engagement in part based on the following college activities. Of the 21 activities listed, seven may be directly addressed by web-based team projects, and four others may be influenced by these projects, all indicated in bold.
- Asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions
- Made a class presentation
- Prepared two or more drafts of a paper or assignment before turning it in
- Worked on a paper or project that required integrating ideas or information from various sources
- Came to class without completing readings or assignments
- Worked with other students on projects during class
- Worked with classmates outside of class to prepare class assignments
- Tutored or taught other students (paid or voluntary)
- Participated in a community-based project as a part of a regular course
- Used the Internet or instant messaging to work on an assignment
- Used email to communicate with an instructor
- Discussed grades or assignments with an instructor
- Talked about career plans with an instructor or advisor
- Discussed ideas from your readings or classes with instructors outside of class
- Received prompt feedback (written or oral) from instructors on your performance
- Worked harder than you thought you could to meet an instructor's standards or expectations
- Worked with instructors on activities other than coursework
- Discussed ideas from your readings or classes with others outside of class (students, family members, coworkers, etc.)
- Had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity than your own
- Had serious conversations with students who differ from you in terms of their religious beliefs, political opinions, or personal values
- Skipped class
Other benefits noted that are not part of the CCSSE survey include:
- Worked with teacher-student-parents for the student betterment