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Author: Sidney D'Mello

Bio: Sidney D’Mello is the Principal Investigator of iSAT, and a Professor at the and the at the (since 2017). He was previously an Associate Professor in and at  (2012-2017). He received his PhD in Computer Science at the  in 2009.

How to Unleash the Power of Collaborative Learning

According to the, students learn better from interactive activities where they talk, act, deliberate, and reflect compared with passive and (superficially) active behaviors, such as taking verbatim notes while listening to a lecture. Asking open-ended questions, peer teaching, and group problem-solving are some of the most effective ways to promote deep learning. Collaboration also helps students develop interpersonal and teamwork skills, which are key.

Here are three ways to unleash the power of collaborative learning:

Transform assessments into learning opportunities. In an artificial intelligence course I teach, I use “power of two” quizzing. Immediately after submitting their individual quizzes, students complete the same quiz again, but this time working with a peer to provide a team response. Though this can lead to more grading, the ensuing discussions and deliberations are well worth the effort.

Employ online games to engage students. Remote collaborations can be effective when centered around well-designed group activities. For example, my colleagues and I conducted a virtual summer camp where students from across the country teamed up to play, a highly engaging learning game that leverages the power of play to boost students’ creative potential.

Use artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate small groups. Teachers can’t be everywhere at once, so when it’s time for breakout groups, some students might struggle, go off task, or disengage. Now in its fourth year as an Institute, the NSF National AI institute for Student-AI Teaming, is addressing this challenge by developing “AI partners"—intelligent systems that help teachers to facilitate collaborations with small groups of students in an ethical and equitable manner. iSAT envisions AI partners working with teachers to catch the teachable and eureka moments that excite students and spark ideas. The AI helps provide insightful nuggets from students’ conversations to teachers and guide authentic whole-class and group discussions.

Don’t be afraid of the messiness that results from collaborative activities. Learning is a contact sport, and encouraging and supporting students to discuss, explain, reason, negotiate, and problem solve is challenging but immensely rewarding.