Collaborative Learning Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty

Collaborative Learning Techniques is an excellent resource that highlights practical strategies that can be realistically implemented. The implementation of group work can be very challenging, but the authors have provided (throughout their book) very clear examples. Such illustrations contain great in-depth details so that other faculty can easily understand how to implement these different techniques. These strategies also seek to improve numerous types of outcomes including writing, problem solving, and class participation in discussions. Overall, this is a very rich resource providing a comprehensive overview of important collaborative learning techniques.

Collaborative Learning Techniques is both a "how to" and a "why to" guide to collaborative learning. By providing simple, easy-to-follow examples of 30 collaborative learning techniques, it provides a starting point for faculty who wish to experiment with collaborative learning in their classrooms. Each technique is described in detail followed by several examples from a variety of disciplines. I particularly appreciated the observations and advice section and the tips for adapting to on-line environments. More importantly, however, this text goes beyond describing a few teaching tricks. By exploring the theory and research on collaborative learning it also facilitates "deeper learning" about why we do what we do in collaborative learning classrooms. Even faculty who have been using collaborative learning techniques for years will gain new insights from the authors' discussion of the nuances of a truly collaborative classroom.

This college handbook for group learning techniques is practical and common sensical. It covers basic information on the formation of groups, ideas for various classroom situations and settings, and methods of evaluations. Instructors should use various forms of evaluation in the classroom, and this text gives the instructor concrete methods to carry out the collaborative learning method. It is a wonderful tool for any college instructor and answers some of the questions concerning this form of evaluation.

When Collaborative Learning Techniques arrived, I read it from cover to cover. How often can one say that about a book on college teaching? Jargon-free writing and an uncluttered layout make this book the best starting point place for instructors who want to use small groups in the classroom. Comprehensive coverage and well-documented case studies make it a must-have reference work for all college teachers.

While the value of collaborative learning is well documented, its implementation has always been a stumbling block for me. "Collaborative Learning Techniques" is a godsend in this regard, containing as is does myriad useful strategies for incorporating and structuring collaborative activities. Busy professionals will also appreciate its clear writing, clean organization, useful tables, and refreshing absence of "education-speak."