Different from social learning, collaborative learning is an emerging training mode, popular among companies. What is collaborative learning? What are its benefits? How does it work? Discover all our tips on this method.
What is collaborative learning?
Collaborative learning is a training mode centered on peer-to-peer experience sharing. It is about pooling each person’s knowledge, skills and know-hows to learn with and from each other.
It stands out from the other pedagogical models by its management. Unlike vertical teaching where the trainer will teach the trainees in a more conventional way, the collaborative learning leans towards a horizontal, even transversal, system. Each participant is given the responsibility as they all have both the roles of trainer and trainee.
Further reading: What is social learning?
The 3 benefits of collaborative learning
It enhances the efficiency
With this learning method, all collaborators co-create together the training programs to answer the needs expressed by their colleagues. Therefore, the content of the training suits the context of the company better, is more precise and relevant than if it had been created by external service providers.
It enables savings
The training content or workshop are designed internally by the company’s teams. They use all the resources available in the company. Thus using the available tools and not invoking expensive external resources, the company saves money and time.
It strengthens the satisfaction and team spirit
Whether they are the trainer or the trainee, each collaborator shares their needs or expertise.This makes the collaborators more engaged and valued in their session. Collaborative learning is a pedagogical method that’s dynamic and a source of connection, for the employees with each other and for the employees with the company. It strengthens the sense of belonging and contributes to enriching the company culture.
Further reading: The importance of human relationships in making your training course a success
How to set up a method for collaborative learning?
Name an ambassador
Collaborative learning is a system accessible to everyone, with a little hierarchy. However, it is common to name an ambassador who will make the collaboration easier and will make sure the training goals are reached. As in collective intelligence workshops, the facilitator will encourage interactions and maintain the group dynamics while staying outside of the context. The ambassador listens, rephrases, sets up the animation, asks open questions and ensures the speech time is evenly shared.
Make tools available
To accompany the teams, the organization or the facilitator can offer different tools:
- videoconference: to facilitate remote meetings;
- document sharing: to share, update and store content;
- project management: to follow up the deliverables of the training;
- virtual class: to train and set up collaborative workshops.
The combination of these tools enables hand-in-hand collaboration on training projects, in real life or remotely, synchronously or asynchronously.
Diversify the activities
Thanks to a virtual class solution such as Glowbl, the collaborators can set up various ice-breaking activities and design or provide training sessions. The lasting and customizable spaces Glowbl offers allow the facilitation of various collective intelligence workshops:
- ice-breaking sessions;
- World Café;
- MindMapping;
- Hackathon …
Collaborative learning is a human, internalized and evolutive learning method. It brings flexibility to the company and can be perfectly adjusted to a digital learning strategy.
| Glowbl offers an innovative solution and options tailored to your needs. To find out more, please contact the Glowbl team. |