Active and Collaborative Learning

What this page covers

The resources here look at how students learn by working together and by doing. Most are mind maps. Many compare approaches that sound alike but work differently, such as cooperative learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning and team-based learning. Others cover the flipped classroom, design thinking, gamification and personalised learning.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map on cooperative learning. It explains what the strategy is, what it looks like in a classroom and its core elements, including small teams of students with different levels of ability. Next, open the Service Learning map, which walks through preparation, support, roles and setting a clear goal statement.

After that, pick the method you need most:

• Problem-based learning: try the map asking whether it helps students solve real-life problems.
• Project-based learning: look at the flashcards and the slides on putting it into practice.
• Flipped classroom: compare the several maps, the flashcard deck and the flowchart on flipped learning.
• Team-based learning: the maps here come in several versions, so skim two or three.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then take a quiz. The quiz about cooperative learning from ENRETE gives a classroom scenario: five students share out parts of an essay, and you decide what type of learning it is. If you stumble, go back to the map and look for the element you missed. The Module 5 sample quiz and Ways of learning offer further checks.

Notes, slides and flowcharts

Notes such as the comparison of cooperative and competitive learning give you a written summary of a map. The notes on inclusive classrooms and cooperative learning suit teachers planning group work. A model for group processing in cooperative learning is a good follow-up once you know the basics.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Teaching Methods and Classroom Practice strand of Education and pedagogy. Choose one method, work through its map and quiz, then make your own flashcards to keep what you have learned.