Collaborative learning in engineering education

Collaborative learning has been defined in a number of ways, but is generally understood to refer to small group learning where the group members actively support the learning processes of one another. It is increasingly recognised as giving students an opportunity to engage in discussion and to exercise a positive influence on the group's learning outcomes by assuming responsibility for their own learning. Critical thinking and reflective evaluation are implicit in the approach. In the paper, the authors reflect on these general aspects and discuss their own experiences in employing collaborative learning techniques in their teaching. These include group work in laboratories, short-term team projects in engineering courses and capstone team projects in the final year of the programme.