Study to Investigate the Effectiveness of Ind...

Study to Investigate the Effectiveness of Individual Learning versus Collaborative Learning in Enhancing Critical-Thinking Skills

Author Name : Gopa Das

Abstract

The concept of collaborative learning, the grouping and pairing of students for the purpose of achieving an academic goal, has been widely researched and advocated throughout the professional literature. The term “collaborative learning” refers to an instruction method in which students at various performance levels work together in small groups toward a common goal. The students are responsible for one another’s learning as well as their own. Thus, the success of one student helps other students to be successful. In spite of these advantages, most of the research studies on collaborative learning have been done at the primary and secondary levels. As yet, there is little empirical evidence on its effectiveness at the college level. However, the need for noncompetitive, collaborative group work is emphasized in much of the higher education literature. The present research was designed to study the effectiveness of collaborative learning as it relates to learning outcomes at the college level, for students in Under-graduate level. This particular study has tried to examine the effectiveness of individual learning versus collaborative learning in enhancing drill-and-practice skills and critical-thinking skills.

Keywords: Collaborative Learning (CL), Education, Drill-and-practice skills, Critical-thinking skills.