Collaborative learning in adult literacy is defined by nine interlocking characteristics¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The guide presents collaborative learning (CL) as an approach to adult literacy instruction defined by nine characteristics: it is participatory, critical, student-centered, based on dialogue, transforms passivity into involvement, is democratic, develops academic skills, is activist, and is interdisciplinary. The guide states that "Collaborative learning is participatory" and that learners' products "are accepted as important knowledge to be shared," forming "the foundation of further inquiry and reflection." It roots the approach in the traditions of Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, Lewin, and Freire, and positions it as an alternative to one-on-one or traditional classroom instruction in adult basic education.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• An environment that is non-threatening and democratic, that discourages divisive competition, and that insists on mutual respect for the ideas and opinions of all participants

Constraints¶

• The guide notes that while there has been insufficient testing to confirm effectiveness with adults, the field assumes collaborative learning is empowering and effective

Target Learners¶

• Adults in basic skills, GED, and English as a second language programs

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Basic literacy and academic skills development, GED preparation, and learner empowerment and participation

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

• Collaborative approaches are participatory and characterized by active teacher and learner roles, community building, created rather than transferred knowledge, and knowledge located in the community

Examples¶

• Facilitator's journal as a qualitative record of group progress
• Manage group conflict constructively by having members observe one another and treat differences as strength
• Use paired interviews early in a group's life to build connections and surface participant information
• Use sentence completion interviews to elicit learner concerns and generate group themes
• Collective Data Analysis

Key Sources¶

• Philadelphia Mayor's Commission on Literacy. (1994). Collaborative Learning: An Alternative Approach to Adult Literacy Instruction. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED376329