DOI: https://doi.org/10.61957/joerai-20230204

Title: Implications of Collaborative Learning and the ‘Conversation of Mankind’ for L2 Teaching

Author: Baoqing Liu

Abstract

For students to better competitive in the globalized world, it is of great significance to be specialized in knowledge and soft skills as well. The paper, based on Kenneth Bruffee’s Collaborative Learning and the ‘Conversation of Mankind’, addresses the importance of collaborative learning in L2 Acquisition. The term "collaborative learning" refers to a wide varieties of educational strategies including the combined intellectual efforts of teachers and students. Students are especially required to work in groups of two or more, working together for understanding answers or meanings or producing a product. Collaborative learning uses a learner-centered approach in which participants work together to acquire knowledge. It facilitates students in an environment where each one develops by learning and students exchange knowledge continuously to complete a common task. Effective collaborative learning is developed through equal work, promoting cooperation among the members of the group instead of competition between individuals. The paper points out the benefits of collaborative learning as well as the problems which may make collaborative learning difficult, which is intended for the teachers to see how to make collaborative learning more effective and practical and thereby arouse the students’ interest to get themselves involved in the class.

Keywords: Collaborative learning; Benefits; Problems; Implications