EDLD+5364+Wk+4+Readings+&+Videos

The readings and videos presented a dynamic concept of collaborative learning that showed various teachers teaming up to have students produce a single project that encompasses two classes. For formal collaborative learning groups to be successful, five basic components should be present in assignments. They are:
 * 1) //Positive interdependence // (sink or swim together)
 * 2) //Face-to-face, promotive interaction // (helping each other to learn, applauding efforts and success)
 * 3) //Individual and group accountability //(each of us has to contribute to the group achieving its goal)
 * 4) //Interpersonal and small group skills //(communication, trust, leadership, decision making, conflict resolution)
 * 5) //Group processing //(reflecting on how well the team is functioning and how to function even better) (Pitler, et al, 2007, p. 140)

This is exactly how our group scenarios are designed. Students could gain so much more from this type experience because of their proximity to each other in the classroom. Teachers teaming up to collaborate on a single topic, yet satisfying the requirements for both course content is an excellent product of collaborative learning. This definitely requires extra input by the cooperating teachers in and out of the classroom. A major benefits of this learning process is that each teacher gains greater insight and are invested in curriculum other than just their subject. This also provides students a broader time frame to complete a more comprehensive final product with far more rewarding results (Edutopia.org. nd)   Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). //Using technology with classroom instruction that works.// Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Edutopia (nd). //Team Teaching: Two Teachers, Three Subjects, One Project.// Retrieved Oct. 5, 2009 from [].