Experiencing Collaborative Learning in the LET programme

In the Learning, Education and Technology programme, collaborative learning is one of the three main theoretical viewpoints. We have courses that provide the basics of how people learn, the effectiveness of collaborative learning in relation to self-regulated learning and technology-enhanced learning.

These studies include the differences between collaboration and cooperation. In cooperation, learners divide a task into different pieces, handle them for group members to do alone then regroup to get a result. In collaboration, group members have joint tasks, and they are committed to constructing a joint understanding through social interaction.

In collaborative groups, 1 plus 3 is not 4 - it could be 7, 8 or even more.

So, if you are eager to study more about the nature of people's learning, the LET programme is right for you. It trains students to become experts in collaborative learning.

In the LET programme, we have plenty of teamwork activities such as group presentations, peer review assignments, even a long-term project with clients from the Finnish industry. The pressure of courses' outcomes pushes us to solve problems together.

Collaborative problem solving requires advanced negotiation skills. Fortunately, the programme scaffolds us with step-by-step collaborative frameworks. This is one of the most significant takeaways from LET that will surely support your working life in the future.

Another crucial aspect in collaboration is the emotional experience of team members. In LET, we never ignore the emotional aspect, but learn how to deal with motivational and emotional difficulties to achieve shared goals.

Before LET, I was a Literature teacher accustomed to working alone and solo thinking. I have faced challenges in expressing my opinions to others and solving real-life or non-academic problems.

Now, I am more confident in building shared knowledge and achieving shared goals with the team. I realize that there are diverse approaches that could help overcome a challenge and it is not always about my way and my view, but also your ways and your views! I am also becoming a better listener and I no longer underestimate the importance of dealing with emotional experience during teamwork. This enhances my competencies for the future job market.

Last but not least, we have countless fond memories of a truly enthusiastic international team working together to overcome many difficulties, especially during the pandemic. :)