Blog Post 2: Project Based Learning + Cooperative Learning and how they can be used as a teaching environment

j3ssica

Overview

Project based learning is a learning method involving the implementation of projects to achieve the following learning objectives:

  • Encourage learners to learn to apply knowledge and solidify their understanding 
  • Allow learners to demonstrate their comprehension of materials and concepts
  • Allow learners to share and present knowledge in an interactive manner

Projects are often done in groups, encompassing the learning method of cooperative learning, which achieves the following learning objectives:

  • Foster an environment where learners gain knowledge by interacting with each other and working together to understand and learn 
  • Encourage learners to interact and develop social skills

These methods of learning are suitable for people who learn best with applications, and gives learners the opportunity to strengthen their understanding through interaction. Cooperative learning has been proven to improve understanding, especially through group work which also strengthens social skills and comprehension [1]. Similarly, project based learning has been proven to be an effective learning method, requiring students to reflect on what they’ve learned and involving constructivist principles such as “knowledge restructuring. ” [2]

How Do These Learning Environments Align with my Topic?

My group’s chosen topic for our learning design assignment was race, racism and antiracism. The objective of this topic is to raise awareness about the effect that identity and role, particularly those associated with race, plays on people’s lives. We intend to do this by structuring the course into subtopics explaining the history and associated issues of racism, and antiracism.

Project based and cooperative learning has attributes that align well with our topic:

  • Interaction: Learners can discuss racism, antiracism, and associated issues and relate to one another’s experiences and knowledge 
  • Reflection: Learners can reflect on their own experiences with the subjects
  • Research: readers can find their own sources, and explore different examples to support their learning and comprehension

While there are benefits to these learning environments, there are also roadblocks to successful implementation, particularly in technology mediated environments:

  • Software / equipment access: it can be difficult to procure software needed for projects, and some equipment can’t be used virtually 
  • Geographic convenience: for online classes, learners from different places must meet up virtually rather than in person, which may not be ideal 
  • Availability: learners may have difficulty meeting up due to time conflicts

Overall, I believe that the benefits of cooperative and project based learning outweigh the potential setbacks.

References:

[1] Keramati, Mohammad Reza, and Robyn M. Gillies. “Teaching Cooperative Learning through Cooperative Learning Environment: A Qualitative Follow-up of an Experimental Study.” Interactive Learning Environments, vol. 32, no. 3, 21 July 2022, pp. 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2022.2100429.
[2] Helle, Laura, et al. “Project-Based Learning in Post-Secondary Education – Theory, Practice and Rubber Sling Shots.” Higher Education, vol. 51, no. 2, Mar. 2006, pp. 287–314, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-004-6386-5.