Collaborative learning: what is it?

Collaborative learning (CL) is an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves groups of learners working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product. This article seeks to present the basic concept of CL, enabling one to understand it while ensuring important elements are taking into account. The term CL refers to an instruction method in which learners at various performance levels work together in small groups toward a common goal. Five fundamental elements involved in CL, are: Positive interdependence, Individual and group accountability, Interpersonal and small group skills, Face-to-face promotive interaction, and Group processing. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Prof. Huseyin Uzunboylu.