Strategies for Collaborative Learning in Online Problem-Based Learning: Design-Based Research

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: PBL Activities and Impact (San Diego)

Abstract

Group collaboration plays a critical role in problem-based learning (PBL), while it also has various challenges. This paper reports the first circle of design-based research (DBR) using strategies of group contract and peer-evaluation to support collaborative learning in online PBL. Multiple datasets were collected from a range of data sources from a graduate-level course and were analyzed by two researchers. The study found that: (1) group contracts helped students work smoothly and keep goals focused on collaborative learning in PBL; (2) the instructor could facilitate the group formation process; and (3) peer-evaluation helped group collaboration and monitoring. The findings also suggest a few important design principles for collaborative learning in PBL in similar courses.

Authors

• Meina Zhu, Wayne State University

• Ke Zhang, Wayne State University