The Power of Interaction and Collaborative Learning: An English Language Teacher’s Perspective
The importance of fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment
As an English language teacher, I have always been a firm believer in the power of interaction and collaborative learning to enhance the language learning experience of my students. And over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand just how impactful these strategies can be.
Encouraging Collaboration and Interaction among Students
One of my favorite examples of this occurred during a lesson on giving directions in English. I had divided my class of 25 students into small groups of five and asked them to work together to create a map of the school campus, labeling the various buildings and landmarks in English.
As they worked, I was struck by the enthusiasm and engagement of my students. They were truly invested in the task at hand, asking each other for clarification and providing feedback on one another’s work. It was a joy to watch as they worked together to navigate the complexities of the English language, using their combined knowledge and skills to solve problems and create something meaningful.
I could have displayed prefabricated maps and waited for responses to the comprehension questions in their course books. That would save the day! Most of us avoid using collaboration and student-to-student interaction. There are of course several reasons why teachers may avoid using creativity and collaborative learning in language classrooms.
Our Barriers to Using Creativity and Collaboration in Language Classrooms:
One reason is a lack of time. Many language teachers are under pressure to cover a large amount of material in a short amount of time, and may feel that activities that involve creativity and collaboration take too much time away from more traditional forms of instruction (Barkley, Cross, & Major, 2014).
Another reason is a lack of confidence or knowledge about how to incorporate these types of activities into their teaching. Teachers may not feel confident in their ability to create and facilitate activities that involve creativity and collaboration, or they may not know how to adapt these activities to the specific needs of their students (Brophy, 2011).
Additionally, some teachers may simply be more comfortable with more traditional forms of instruction and may not feel motivated to try new approaches (Galloway & Ferris, 2017). They may try to create a peacefully reserved atmosphere in the classroom, even though this is not conducive to language learning, which often requires interaction and conversation.
Well, you might say learners’ motivation depends upon a variety of factors such as age, gender, learning background an so on. However, scientific studies prove that learners opt for collaboration, teamwork and discussion groups in learning an additional language, no more listening to the instructors lecturing about certain grammar and lexical forms repetitively.
But the benefits of this collaborative approach extended far beyond just the immediate task at hand. As my students interacted and learned from one another, they also developed important social skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
These skills are vital for success in any field, and I believe that by fostering a collaborative learning environment in my classroom, I am helping to prepare my students for success in the wider world.
Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity
In addition to fostering collaboration and interaction among my students, I also make it a priority to create a culture of inclusivity in my classroom. I know firsthand how intimidating it can be to learn a new language, especially for students who may be struggling with the material. That’s why I always try to use diverse groupings and assign roles within the group to ensure that all students have an opportunity to contribute and learn from one another.
Utilizing Technology to Facilitate Collaboration
And when it comes to leveraging technology to facilitate collaboration, I’ve found that online tools and platforms can be especially helpful. For example, I’ve used video conferencing software to hold virtual group discussions, which has been a great way to keep my students engaged and connected even when we can’t meet in person.
Providing Ongoing Feedback and Support
Finally, I assure that it’s my job to make sure my students stay motivated and engaged. And one way I do this is by providing ongoing feedback and support. But let’s be real, with a full class schedule, it can be tough to find the time for one-on-one or small group coaching sessions. That’s where technology comes in!
With the help of the tools here, automating feedback has never been easier. No more handwritten notes or time-consuming face-to-face meetings. Simply plug in your thoughts and hit send. It’s a game-changer for both me and my students. So, if you’re looking to streamline your feedback process and keep your class on track, give these teacher apps a try!”
Lastly, interaction and collaborative learning are powerful tools for language development and student success. By fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, teachers can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that helps students develop important social skills and prepare for success in the wider world.
So, consider implementing these strategies in your foreign language classroom and watch as your students thrive! As the famous educator John Dewey once said,
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
By fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, we can empower our students to live fully, learn deeply, and succeed.
Resources
Al-Hoorie, A. H. (2018). The L2 motivational self system: A meta-analysis. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 8(4), 721–754.
Barkley, E. F., Cross, K. P., & Major, C. H. (2014). Collaborative learning techniques: A handbook for college faculty. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
British Columbia Campus Open Textbook Project. (2019, October 22). 6.5 Online collaborative learning [Chapter]. In Teaching in a digital age. Retrieved from https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev2/chapter/6-5-online-collaborative-learning/
Brophy, J. (2011). Effective teaching strategies that accommodate diverse learners (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Galloway, M., & Ferris, S. (2017). The effectiveness of using collaborative learning in the language classroom. Language Teaching Research, 21(2), 193–211.
JotForm. (2022, December 16). Teacher apps [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.jotform.com/blog/teacher-apps/
