Skillen, P. (2011). Collaborative Projects: What Does It Mean to ‘Co-construct’?. The Construction Zone. Retrieved from http://theconstructionzone.wordpress.com/2011/09/01/collaborative-projects-what-does-it-mean-to-%E2%80%98co-construct%E2%80%99/ on 6 August 2012.
The article argues for collaborative practices in learning, which seems to me that the writer focusses on its application on the levels of collaboration among students and collaboration between student and teacher. For collaboration among teachers and educators, the topic was as if dismissed with merely a sentence or two. It is an interesting topic, however. I have always had doubts about group work. I enjoy working with people towards a common goal, and I agree that many heads is better than one. Nonetheless, this is definitely not always the case. During my undergraduate years, I have worked with others in group work for which they showed lack of responsibility and maturity. The writer notes the problems of team work. He also outlines some ways to tackle these problems, quoting Saloman's suggestion that "the whole environment be designed to maximize mindfulness and interdependence."
I find the writer's suggestion on having students build "thoughtful environments" through social networking very interesting and equally implementable for my teaching practice. I am excited by the prospect of integrating student-centred learning with technology.
