Essential Collaboration in action

Essential Collaboration

These selected pages cover the essential aspects of collaboration: preparation, execution, reflection, communication, and inquiry. Each page provides practical advice and tools that students can directly apply to enhance their collaborative efforts.

1. Collaboration before a task

“Make sure you both do the same amount of work.”

This emphasises the importance of equal contribution and shared responsibility, which sets the foundation for fair and balanced collaboration.

1. Collaboration during a task (1)

“Give your partner time to think.”

This highlights the importance of allowing your partner time to think, fostering a respectful and thoughtful collaborative environment.

1. Collaboration during a task (2)

“If you disagree with your partner explain why you disagree.”

This teaches students how to handle disagreements constructively, maintaining a positive and productive collaborative relationship.

1. Collaboration during a task (3)

“Be prepared to justify and defend any opinions you have.”

This emphasises the importance of justifying and defending opinions, encouraging critical thinking and deeper understanding during collaboration.

1. Collaboration after a task (1)

“Did you learn more working with a partner than on your own?”

This prompts students to reflect on their learning experience with a partner, helping them evaluate the effectiveness of their collaboration and identify areas for improvement.

1. Extra 1: Things You Could Say to Your Partner

   • “I think that….”
   • “I disagree because….”
   • “What do you think?”
   • “It might be better if….”
   • “One idea I have is….”
     Specific phrases for constructive communication, helping students articulate their thoughts clearly and respectfully for effective collaboration.

2. Extra 2: Questions You Could Ask Your Partner

   • “Why did…?”
   • “Why do you think…?”
   • “What was the reason for…?”
   • “What might happen if….?”
   • “How did you feel about…?”
   • “Can you think of another way that…?”
   • “What would you do if…?”

Questions that encourage deeper discussion and understanding, a key component of effective collaboration.