Collaborative vs Cooperative

I guess I never really thought of the difference between collaborative and cooperative learning.  But after reading the article, "Collaborative versus cooperative learning," I am more aware that there is in fact a difference. For the most part, each allows for group involvement, discussions and debates.  However, cooperative learning is done so in a more structural way where as collaborative learning is done with more flexibility.  In cooperative learning, the instructor is in the center of the lesson/activity.  The questions have specific answers. In collaborative learning, the groups have the power over the instructor and the lessons/activities hold more opened ended questioning. I love that Rockwood uses both techniques in his classroom depending on the levels of his students.  Those students who need more structure, guidance and feedback stick to the cooperative learning technique where the students who are more independent and can think at a higher level use the collaborative approach.  I think this is a great way to differentiate for the students in his classroom. I don't think one technique works better than the other, I think both can be used in the same classroom in many different ways. You have to look at your students individually, which students would benefit from which technique?


While reading the article on "Constructivism- The WebQuest Model," I agreed with the statement that said, "It is important for schools/instructors/education to provide learning environments that enhance learners' curiosity, motivation, and desire/need to take action towards finding solutions." It is more meaningful when a student can think critically, reflect and relate what he is learning.  Web quests are great techniques and tools to use that touch on curiosity, motivation, desire, critical thinking, reflecting and relating. They promote a higher level of thinking from all students. 

Cathy Davidson talked about forms of technology that has changed the way humans communicate that will never change back. Humans learned to write. Writing allowed of proof of a documentation. It was possible to transfer writings from one place to another by mail.  Movable type changing the way humans communicated. It allowed for people to write more by typing. Novels were created. Cathy Davidson wants teachers to teach toward students futures, not their pasts. People in Japan are put into groups as a culture and they live life teaching and learning based off their group collaboratively and cooperatively.  People of America need to be taught how to work in groups and need to be taught how to collaborate and cooperate. I thought that was really interesting that people in Japan by nature know how to work in groups and that is their way of life but people in American have to be taught this. It really made me think when Davidson said, "If teachers can be replaced by a computer screen then they should be." Davidson is not saying teachers should be extinct.  She is saying teachers need to be adding something that no computer can replicate or replace.  I thought that was really powerful!