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Inclusion : Concept and Practice
21.2.3 Collaborative Teaching Strategy
Collaborative teaching strategy is a teaching method in which children work
together on an assignment. In this method, children can produce a small part Notes
of a larger assignment individually and then assemble the final work together,
as a team. Each child is free to work as per individual learning style.
Collaborative teaching is sometimes confused with cooperative teaching, which
is a method where children work together in small groups on a structured
activity. In collaborative learning, children are individually accountable for their
work and also for the work of the group as a whole, where both the end products
are assessed.
22.2.3.1 Characteristics of Collaborative Teaching Strategy
• Parity in collaboration: Each child’s contribution is equally valued and
children have equal power in decision-making.
• Voluntary-collaborative relationships: These are most successful when
they are entered into freely and exist by choice.
• Mutual Goals: Collaboration occurs in response to a goal, problem, or
need that is jointly shared by the children. These goals must be agreed
upon by all participants.
• Shared Responsibility: Participants share responsibilities in the decision
making.
• Shared Accountability: Participants have equal accountability for the
outcome of their work.
• Shared Resources: Participants share materials and human resources.
22.2.3.2 Benefits of collaborative Teaching Strategies
Some benefits of these practices are:
• All children benefit from the expertise of all the members of the group.
• It develops leadership and responsibility.
• Children can learn from each other and solve problems together.
• Instructions take into account different levels of ability.
• It facilitates active participation by all children in the classroom.
• Proper planning ensures active learning by all children.
• Children are assessed based on the individual performance as well as
performance of the group.
Thus, we can say that an atmosphere of trust is essential here if teams are to
work effectively.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 207
