We are thrilled to share that on May, 10th the methodological webinar on "Collaborative Learning Strategies in the Classroom" was hosted by the Chair of English Philology and Linguodidactics at FISF, Sumy State Pedagogical University, in collaboration with the Inter-university Research Laboratory of TESOL Modern Technologies, led by Associate Professor H.I. Podosynnikova, with the invaluable support of the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the US Embassy and TESOL-Ukraine, we embarked on a journey of pedagogical enlightenment.
This session was a part of the project "The Virtual English Language Educator Program," coordinated by Associate Professor V.V. Kozlova. It featured the participation of an experienced American professional practitioner, Debbie Rinehart. Together, we explored innovative collaborative learning strategies to enhance the educational experience and empower educators with effective teaching methodologies. This session was a beacon of pedagogical enlightenment for educators from Ukrainian universities. Debbie's professionalism shone brightly as she expertly presented a plethora of effective collaborative learning strategies tailored to the classroom environment. Attendees were treated to a comprehensive overview of key strategies for collaborative learning. Debbie emphasized the importance of clarifying individual roles within group settings to foster accountability and collaboration. Participants learned techniques for fostering an environment of open communication, where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and perspectives. We also discussed the value of using pre-tests and post-tests to assess learning outcomes and measure student progress. Attendees gained insights into effective methods for assessing the effectiveness of collaborative learning activities and adjusting teaching strategies accordingly. Debbie outlined the benefits of group work and explored various types of group activities to engage students effectively.
There were nearly seventy participants from Ukraine’s leading higher education institutions: Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko, Pavlo Tychyna Uman State University, Kyiv National Linguistic University, Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”, Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Zhytomyr Ivan Franko State University, T.H. Shevchenko National University “Chernihiv Colehium”, Dnipro University of Technology, Rivne State University of the Humanities, Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav, Bogdan Khmelnitsky Melitopol State Pedagogical University, “Rivne Professional College of National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine”, Sumy Specialized school #25, Private School 'MudrAnhelyky' Chernihiv.
Participants were actively engaged in breakout room discussions, where they explored practical strategies for implementing group work in their classrooms. Together, they brainstormed ways to encourage student participation and foster a positive group dynamic. Debbie led thought-provoking discussions on self-competencies such as self-management, self-awareness, and social awareness, highlighting their role in promoting effective collaboration. Attendees were introduced to the six characteristics of engaging tasks and were presented with collaborative activities such as hexagonal thinking, reading activities, and structured surveys.
Overall, the webinar provided valuable insights and practical strategies for implementing collaborative learning approaches in the classroom. We look forward to continuing our journey of educational exploration and growth together #CollaborativeLearning #Education #ProfessionalDevelopment