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A Critical Analysis of Collaborative Learning Dr. Manjit Singh* Te concept of collaborative learning represents a signifcant ‘shift away’ from the traditional teacher-centred and lecture-centred approach in classrooms. Hence, broadly, the collaborative learning involves the ability of students to question, learn and understand in concert with others. In CCE scheme of CBSE, the Peer Learning is a type of collaborative learning in which students work in small groups or in pairs to discuss concepts, lectures, or fnd solutions of the problems. In this, the teacher introduces the course material to students through lectures or through readings or videos before class. In collaborative learning, the frst step is to specify the academic task clearly so that every member of the group knows the objective or task to be completed or discussed. Ten, during the discussions, each member of the discussion group should be given a chance to express his/her ideas. In case of conficts, these should be resolved as soon as they arise and the students must be guided about preventing these conficts during discussions in future. After the discussion, the group will arrive at a solution. Tus, collaborative learning enhances the critical thinking and problem- solving skills of students. Broadly, there are three main conditions for efective collaborative learning: Composition of Group, Features of Task and Communication Media. In the Composition of Group, the age, level and size of group should be taken into account. Te group should be small because small groups perform better than large groups. Te age level of students should be almost same. Second condition, i.e. Task Features is also very important. Te tasks should be planned and clearly defned. Tese should not be computer-based tasks, because in computer based tasks, there is less interactions. So the tasks should be discussion oriented. Tird condition, Communication Media should be adequate. Te internet based tools, video or audio links or text based links should be selected carefully. Collaborative learning has many benefts. It helps in creating higher-level thinking skills among the students, self-management, oral communication and leadership skills. It also promotes student-faculty interaction and it increases student retention, self-esteem and responsibility. It gives exposure to students and increases understanding of diverse perspectives. It helps in preparing the students for real life social and employment situations. Diferent educationists have diferent views about the grouping of students in collaborative learning. Te students may be grouped according to their ability, or may be mixed up so that intelligent students can help the weaker students to learn. In this method, the intelligent students also learn from the experience of tutoring the weaker students. Many researchers are of the view that collaborative learning has positive impacts on deeper understanding of content. Te students feel the importance of taking responsibility of their own learning. It brings improved self-esteem, increased overall achievement in grades and higher motivation to remain on task. So, in this process, the success of one member of group helps other member of group to be successful. In collaborative learning, the students learn about how to work with other students who have diferent opinions. While interacting in small groups, the students fnd opportunities to answer the diverse questions and * Director/Principal, Dasmesh Parivar International School, Tarn Taran, Punjab 12 Collaborative Learning