Collaborative learning is key to critical thinking and emotional intelligence

Learning is social in nature. Those who develop good social skills go on to become very successful in life as they have the ability to deal with people and have a sharper EQ.

Collaborative learning teams are said to attain higher-level thinking and preserve information for longer. But why is this so? Groups tend to learn through discussion, clarification of ideas and evaluation of others’ ideas. Information that is discussed is retained in long-term memory. It is widely accepted that we learn approximately 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we see and hear, 70% of what we discuss, 80% of what we experience and 95% of what we teach others. Collaborative learning is vital for enhanced learning in the classroom and students who demonstrate lower levels of achievement improve when working in diverse groups.

Collaborative learning is a salient feature of IB PYP classrooms at VMWC. Here students work in collaboration with their peers, each having a specific role but each role being equally important and vital to the overall success.

Students use this powerful tool of collaboration to tap into new ideas and information; it allows them for challenge, enhanced confidence and self-esteem. Collaborative learning experiences help them to deeply engage in non-judgmental interactions; acknowledging each person’s point of view which fosters critical thinking skills for life and empathy towards others.