Taking My Ball and Going Home

The ability to collaborate is not unique to humans. Ants do it. Whales do it. Gorillas, chimps, and monkeys do it. In fact, examples of collaboration can be found across the animal kingdom. And often survial in some communities depends on collaboration.

So there is ample evidence to suggest that collaboration is an important skill, something to value highly. It is incumbent upon educators to help students develop that skill, for students’ future survival in the workplace, and, potentially, for our very survival on the planet.

 In 21st Century Skills: Rethinking How Students Learn, Bellanca said, “Cooperative learning groups provide an arena in which students develop the interpersonal and small-group skills needed to work effectively with diverse schoolmates. These interpersonal skills enable students to engage in discussions in which they share and solve personal problems. As a result, students’ resilience and ability to cope with adversity and stress tend to increase.” (2010) Students who work collaboratively learn a variety of transferable skills which they can then take into the workplace, into relationships, and into their families. 

Educators can help students by integrating collaboration into the classroom workflow. By integrating collaborative elements into class projects, students will practice such skills as communication, problem-solving, resolving conflicts, leadership, and compromise. Students who master these skills will be more productive and find more opportunities in the work world which increasingly demands them of their workers.

Sources:

Bellanca, James A. (2010-04-19). 21st Century Skills: Rethinking How Students Learn (Leading Edge) (Kindle Locations 3865-3866). Ingram Distribution. Kindle Edition. 

Image source:

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