The Group Space
Figure 4. Mountain. From OpenBuildings. Retrieved from http://openbuildings.com/buildings/vittra-telefonplan-school-profile-43177/media#!buildings-media/3. Copyright: Kim Wendt, Rosan Bosch. Reprinted with permission
The Physical Elements
Technology is stretching the spaces available for students to work together in groups. Collaboration and community thinking no longer needs to be confined to the inside of a classroom, but can occur in a number of other places (Zottmann, Kaplan & Fischer). However, the physical spaces of the majority of current classrooms are limited to table clusters. This is unfortunate, as Vygotsky’s theory of the zone of proximal development states that learners acquire knowledge more rapidly when working with others with more knowledge in a given area (Lippman, 2013).
Strengths
Weaknesses
Curriculum and Pedagogy
The Australian curriculum promotes personal and social capability. For example, the curriculum seeks to promote an appreciation of diverse perspectives, and communicating effectively. These can be encouraged through collaboration in group spaces.
Teachers and Students
It is up to teachers to scaffold students learning through collaborative learning spaces.
Technology is stretching the spaces available for students to work together in groups. Collaboration and community thinking no longer needs to be confined to the inside of a classroom, but can occur in a number of other places (Zottmann, Kaplan & Fischer). However, the physical spaces of the majority of current classrooms are limited to table clusters. This is unfortunate, as Vygotsky’s theory of the zone of proximal development states that learners acquire knowledge more rapidly when working with others with more knowledge in a given area (Lippman, 2013).
Strengths
- Collaborative environments prepare students for the future.
- Promote positive attitudes toward learning (Johnson & Johnson 1989-1990)
- Improves student’s self-esteem (Johnson & Johnson 1989-1990)
- Improves relationships between students (Johnson & Johnson 1989-1990)
- Increases feelings of social support (Johnson & Johnson 1989-1990)
- Enhances student acceptance of differences such as minority groups, gender or disability (Johnson & Johnson 1989-1990)
- Encourage interpersonal skills.
Weaknesses
- It’s easier for students to avoid doing any work and leaving work for others to complete.
- Reaching agreements can be difficult.
- Risk of one student taking on a ‘boss’ role and being a dictator.
Curriculum and Pedagogy
The Australian curriculum promotes personal and social capability. For example, the curriculum seeks to promote an appreciation of diverse perspectives, and communicating effectively. These can be encouraged through collaboration in group spaces.
Teachers and Students
It is up to teachers to scaffold students learning through collaborative learning spaces.