Collaborative problem solving

What is it?

Students work together to develop solutions to problems or strategies for approaching tasks. Collaboration often leads to more creative and effective results than would be achieved if students had approached the problem individually. Social software tools can significantly assist students to communicate with one another easily and regularly, either in a text form or verbally, to solve the problem.

Discussion forums and wikis allow students to structure and author problem solutions collaboratively and the wiki can also track individual contributions. Virtual conferencing enables real time problem solving with the support of a central whiteboard for brainstorming.

Pros and cons

Often leads to better solutions than individual problem solving. Collaborative problem solving in a web environment can allow for faster responses and the development of more diverse solutions.
Is most effective if students are aware of, and overcome, assumptions and personal prejudices towards issues.
Some teachers have found collaborative problem solving increases student preparation for and participation in the learning process. This may be due to subtle peer pressure to contribute meaningfully to the group task.
Face-to-face collaborative problem solving groups can be easily distracted from the task, especially as personal bonds develop between members. Students have reported that collaboration in an online discussion forum, for example, is faster than having to meet face-to-face and also helps them to stay focused on the topic.

Fit for purpose?

Requires students to clearly articulate their view of an issue and their suggested strategies.
Some teachers have reported improved results especially for international students and/or students from a Non English Speaking Background (NESB).
Appropriate when you want to use a student-centred approach to empower students to construct their own learning (as in constructivist approaches to learning).
Online collaborative problem solving is appropriate especially when you would like to record the process and compare the results with those of another group.
Can help teach and practise social skills relating to teamwork. This is especially helpful in supporting effective contributions in work environments.

Find out more

For more ideas of how this strategy can work in practice, go to the following case studies:

Virtual conferencing – Group work with virtual conferencing, Anne Vreugdenburg
Virtual conferencing – Problem solving with virtual conferencing, Dean Richardson
Wikis – Sharing and co-authoring with wikis, David Bartolo