Peer Interaction Pedagogical Models

This week we will be learning about peer interaction pedagogical models.  The most utilized of the peer interaction models are cooperative and collaborative learning models. There are two major differences between cooperative and collaborative learning.  The first major difference is that collaboration is a philosophical view on education through student centered interactive activities centered on working together towards an end. The process of working together is most valued in collaboration.  Cooperative learning is a TYPE of collaborative learning, but in cooperative learning the end product is the focus, rather than the collaboration process.  This leads to the second major difference between the two types models.  In cooperative learning every student in the group is assigned a specific job or role in accomplishing a task or finishing an end product. Individualized assignments are not always required in collaborative learning. Because each student has an assigned role in cooperative learning, they are responsible for that task and could do it separate from the group, while still contributing to the group in its entirety.  In the collaborative learning philosophy, the group works together the entire time and the process is generally considered to be of equal or even of greater value, than the end product. Watch the following video and read the following page, to understand more fully.