Collaborative Learning and Problem-Based Learning Skills

What is Problem-Based Learning?

Problem-based learning, or PBL, is a student-centered method of teaching or learning where students learn about various topics by solving multiple problems regarding those topics. Although the main focus is problem-solving, this learning process also develops multiple skills and abilities in the students. 

When we solve a specific problem, we have to get into the depth of the problem and clearly understand the subject. This is the basis of the logic behind this learning process. In addition to this, the students gain valuable experience in how to deal with various situations.

In the beginning, this learning method was adopted for medical education, but gradually, various other application-based studies started using this method to teach their students. Student-based learning pushes students to be logical and creative. It also promotes collaborative learning among the students because they learn to work together. 

Benefits of Problem-Based Learning 

Problem-based learning has various advantages –

1. Problem-based learning promotes among students the concept and habit of self-learning. Self-learning is a great skill to learn especially before one’s class 10 admissin. Mastering this skill of self-learning is an essential key to success. It makes students responsible for their learning.
2. The skills and attributes gained by the students from this learning method not only give them knowledge about their subject but also gives them overall experience regarding various other situations and how to deal with them. These skills are carried over to their adulthood.
3. Students have to get engaged in this learning process, which also helps them learn how to coordinate and work with others. Good collaboration and communication are essential skills for any student to learn.
4. Students also get a lot of satisfaction from the practice of problem-solving and stay motivated towards solving more and more problems in various other subjects.

Collaborative Learning 

In addition to the problem-solving method of learning, another great education process is the collaborative method of learning. Problem-solving promotes collaborative learning as well. When students work together to solve problems, they learn to work together, that is, collaborate. 

Collaborative learning is the education procedure where students are grouped into teams and learn by working together. Two or more students work together to understand new topics, solve problems, and complete different tasks. Collaborative learning is also a type of cooperative learning. The main key point is that the learners must collaborate and cooperate to learn. 

Benefits of Collaborative Learning 

There are several benefits of collaborative learning. Some of them are –

1. Students can vastly enhance their skills and knowledge by participating in collaborative learning. They can benefit from the knowledge of others as well. This sharing of knowledge and skills enhances the understanding of everyone in the group. Greater knowledge can also enhance the student’s chance of receiving a scholarship for school students. 
2. It teaches the students the skill of self-management; that is, students can manage their life better and work towards their goals in an organized manner. 
3. While working in a group, many students develop excellent leadership skills. When students command others while working in a group to complete different tasks, they earn the potential to be great leaders. 
4. Group-based collaborative learning also strengthens the relations between various students and creates respect for each other. 

Final Note

Both collaborative learning and problem-based learning are equally beneficial for students. Both teach the students how to think critically and quickly, teach them how to learn from another person’s viewpoint, and also give them the satisfaction of solving problems together. Students also become receptive to feedback, advice, and criticism others give. All-in-all, by learning these skills and such experiences, students can gain a lot of knowledge in their subjects and can be more successful in life.