The purpose of this course is to examine the research on collaborative learning and consider what it has to say about using it for instruction. The beginning of the course focuses on theoretical questions about collaboration and collaborative learning to provide a basis for later discussion of applications. We then look at a range of research that proposes ways of implementing and supporting collaborative learning. These will range from work that focuses on the design of tasks, group composition, roles and interaction behaviors. We will also think about what research says about the role of the teacher in the collaborative classroom. Throughout the class, we will build a document outlining what the research says about orchestrating collaborative activities in classrooms.

To view the syllabus, please click here.