Collaborative learning is working together to achieve a shared educational goal. There are many ways to integrate this into your training, but the end result of effective collaborative learning is an increase in engagement, critical thinking, and communication. Collaborative learning can be done face-to-face or online, in any environment that can facilitate a discussion where learners can receive feedback and communicate (Kayyali, 2023).

 

A major benefit of face-to-face collaborative learning is an increase in engagement. Engaged trainees are more likely to retain their knowledge and use their critical thinking skills.  Trainees can ask questions, discuss, and use their peers to deepen their learning. These discussions must be facilitated to best forward their learning, but there are multiple methods to do so. The following is a list of face-to-face collaborative learning strategies that you can implement to increase the engagement and communication in your training:

• Group discussions
• Cooperative problem solving
• Think-pair-share
• Peer teaching
• Jigsaw method
• Gallery Walk
• Snowball discussions
• Partner work

 

While digital collaborative learning can increase engagement as well, many methods involve less direct and immediate forms of communication. However, it is still effective for increasing participation and critical thinking. Additionally, it reflects the online form of communication most jobs require. The following is a list of digital collaborative learning strategies that you can implement to increase engagement and communication in your training:

• Padlet
• Peardeck
• Google Workspace
• Shared Google docs
• Slack
• Miro
• Teams

 

Whether online, face-to-face, or a mix of both, trainees benefit from the addition of collaborative learning. Keeping employees engaged and communicating effectively is an important aspect of any training and collaborative learning is a push in the right direction.