Build a Collaborative Classroom: Supporting Your Students in Deep and Meaningful Collaboration

Is an individual mindset a problem in your classroom? Collaboration is a dying art. Because there is no “I” in collaborate, it can be difficult for our students to be successful when collaborating in the classroom. The idea that two minds are better than one has not always been a part of their day to day repertoire. What we need to teach them is that two, three, four, or any number of minds is better than one.

There’s no denying the process of learning is changing. Collaboration is the evolution – it’s breaking away from the “I” and “me” method of learning.

Why choose collaborative learning

Collaborative learning gives meaningful and memorable experiences for students. This form of learning, allows students to work towards a higher level of thinking.

How do we create this atmosphere of collaboration and embrace the evolution? Through collaborative posters!

What is a collaborative poster?

Just as the name implies, collaborative posters allow students the opportunity to collaborate and work toward a common goal. In this case, the construction of a creative mosaic class poster.

Why choose collaborative posters

The outcomes of using collaborative posters within the classroom has several benefits for student learning including:

• Setting the stage for your classroom.
• Empowering students to contribute to the group through the creation of the poster while sharing goals and experiences.
• Strengthening trust between each other.

The Benefits of Collaborative Posters

There are several benefits to using collaborative posters in your classroom. Some skills gained through collaborative posters include creating teamwork, cooperation, and the ability to draw on one another’s skills. In addition, it establishes a community and can do the following:

• Build student performance as a whole. Research shows collaborative methods of learning are more valuable than individualistic methods.

• Allowing students to learn from peers. This makes learning purposeful and helps them comprehend and retain more information.

Gaining Life Skills

Collaboration not only benefits students in the classroom, it can also help them in the real world. By working in large and small group settings, students obtain valuable life skills including:

• Negotiation skills: Whenever you are working in a group, you need to discuss the approach you want to take. Knowing how to speak your mind is essential in collaborative work.
• Interpersonal skills increase: When given an opportunity to work on a collaborative poster, communication among peers improves.
• Social skills: Becoming active members of a social setting allows them to become effective, caring, and concerned members of their classroom.
• Goal setting skills: Learning how to set and achieve individual goals that contribute to a larger group goal.

These skills are essential in development as students journey through adulthood and their own workplace.

Finding Your Voice

Collaborative posters can also help students find their voice. Motivation and engagement increase when students have ownership over their learning. Collaborative posters naturally bring out student voices through engagement and discussion.

This allows each classroom voice to be heard. For students who are struggling to ‘fit in’ or ‘find their place’, working collaboratively on a common end goal (a full-sized mosaic poster) creates an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding

Moving Towards 21st Century Learning

With collaborative posters, students are provided with the opportunity to work on strengths and gain support from peers. This approach moves away from the traditional hierarchy of education. Collaborative posters move us from the traditional hierarchy of education and moves us into the future. With collaborative posters, students can make connections and learn from each other. All of this will benefit our 21 st Century learners.

By working towards a shared objective, students demonstrate self-discipline and dedication needed to face the competitive world ahead of them. Whether we are witnessing a learning evolution or a learning revolution, it is up to us to embrace and nurture the change.

Check out some of my favorite collaborative posters!

Mariette, from lovelivelaughteach, loves learning as well as inspiring and supporting children. She has led professional development sessions and been a part of many writing teams. Mariette has also had a chance to learn from so many amazing individuals who have made it their job to lead, challenge, and inspire young minds in ever-evolving ways.

Currently, Mariette is in her sixteenth year of teaching. She has been fortunate enough to have taught a number of grades from K-8. She enjoys collaborating with others, sharing classroom knowledge, and creating resources that engage young minds in the 21st century.