Enhancing collaborative learning through online discussion and peer assessment

Collaborative learning is one of the many student-centered approaches that matches with the philosophy of contemporary perspectives on learning and teaching aiming to promote higher achievement, more positive interpersonal relationships and greater psychological health. The author attempts to examine if the Web can promote collaborative learning. Thirty-four pre-service student teachers participated in this study. Learners are required to do: 1) group projects, 2) presentation, and 3) assess their peer groups. Their opinions about this learning approach were gathered from a questionnaire. It is found that learners were very enthusiastic of using the Web for discussions and they acknowledged that collaborative learning strategy can enhance their understanding of the subject knowledge. Copyright © 2002 The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.