Sharing ideas, collaborating, discussing are all words I have used as a teacher in my classroom to get my students talking about the learning. Collaborative groups, or what is often referred to as cooperative learning groups, is a learning theory first introduced by Lev Vygotsky’s idea of the Zone of Proximal Development (Erbil, 2020). I often implement this learning theory in the classroom to get students engaged. It lends itself to higher order thinking and builds critical thinking skills.
My Expectations
When I started working on my master’s degree, I brought with me decades old experiences from my years as an undergraduate student. I can not remember one class where I worked collaboratively with a group or met outside of class to discuss an assignment.
I also brought with me the habit of studying content and taking a test, getting a grade, and moving on to the next course on the list so that I could earn my degree. When I started the ADL program, I fully expected it to be more of the same. I could not have been more wrong.
My Reality
Once I started to read and research the expectations of the ADL course, I began to understand what my role as the learner was going to be, as well as the role of the instructors. While I initially cringed at the thought of having to join a collaboration group and post to a discussion group, I now am enjoying this learning opportunity. Collaborating and sharing ideas with other students has helped me to expand my thinking and has given me insight to my innovation plan. The connections I am making through these authentic learning opportunities has helped me to grow as a graduate student.
References
Hmelo-Silver, C., Chinn, C., Chan, C., & O’Donnell, A. (Eds.). (2013). The International Handbook of Collaborative Learning (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/978020383729
Erbil D. G. (2020). A Review of Flipped Classroom and Cooperative Learning Method Within the Context of Vygotsky Theory. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 1157. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.0115
Blended Elementary 
Collaboration is something that I did not use to do either. It had been challenging at the beginning since I am a shy person. I recognize that a work team is essential, so I want to improve.
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