20 definition of collaborative learning, the techniques used in collaborative learning,
and the practical teaching based on of collaborative learning.
a. Definition
According Wiersema 2000, collaborative learning is not merely a series of teaching techniques. Collaboration means the process of learning together
within community of individual learners such as students and students, students and teachers, or even teachers and students who are teaching each other.
According to Imel 1991, collaborative learning assumes that knowledge is socially rather than individually and constructed by communities and that the
shaping and the testing of ideas are a process in which anyone can participate. Smith 1992 also stated that collaborative learning is an umbrella term for
a variety of educational approaches involving joint intellectual effort by students, or students and teachers together. Usually, students are working in groups of two
or more, mutually searching for understanding, solutions, or meanings, or creating a product. Collaborative learning activities vary widely, but most centre on
students’ exploration or application of the course material, not simply the teacher’s presentation or explication of it.
b. Characteristics of Collaborative Learning
In this study, collaborative learning is seen as a teachinglearning techniques method. Since it is a teachinglearning method, collaborative learning
has at least four general characteristics Imel, 1991. They are: a Shared knowledge among teachers and students
21 Knowledge is created, not transferred. Knowledge is located in the
community rather than in individual. b Shared authority among teachers and students
The hierarchy between the teacher and the learner is eliminated. c Teachers as mediations
A successful mediation helps students connects new information to their experiences and to learning areas and also helps students how to learn and figure
out to do. d Heterogeneous grouping of students
Background, learning experiences and perspectives are examples of differences happened in a classroom. Through these differences, students will
have more knowledge and they will learn from multiple context. Theroux 2004 also wrote some characteristics of collaborative learning as
follows: a Collaborative learning is a student centred environment. Power and
responsibility are primarily student centred. b Students are in control of their own learning. The students are the decision
makers. Students evaluate, make decisions and are responsible for their own learning.
c The teacher is a facilitator and guide. d Learning may be co-operative, collaborative or independent.
e Students work together to reach a common goal. f Students willingly help each other sharingexchanging skills and ideas.
22 g The way information is processed and used is most important.
h Students master knowledge by constructing it. Content is learned in a relevant context.
Beside some characteristics suggested by Theroux 2004, Ronkowski 1998 said that collaborative learning also has six strengths. They are:
a Collaborative learning can provide students with the opportunity to think for themselves
b Students and teachers can compare their thinking with others c Students can conduct research project
d They can investigate subject matter with fellow students e They can practice using higher level cognitive skills
f This method can provide activities that encourage students to think logically based on their own beliefs
c. Learning Based on Collaborative Learning
