Collaborating Extends Learning

People working together is essential for any successful endeavor. Whether it be for nations, companies, or families, working toward a common goal usually leads to the best possible outcome.

In the educational setting, this is even more essential since collaboration is the primary focus of interaction. Students engage and learn from each other, just as all people do.

Students in all grades can be involved in real world challenges. Learners shift from being a novice to an expert, and with further discoveries, realize there is more to learn, shifting back to being the novice again. This safe environment creates an atmosphere that fosters risk taking and encourages everyone to critically analyze, examine, and discuss. This collaboration presents a vehicle to co-construct knowledge and to solidify new learning.

At Oak Hill Academy in Lincroft, NJ, as in all schools, collaboration reduces the false boundary between subject matter and student interests, thereby encouraging exploration. Here, students can take control of their learning by identifying real world problems and using each other’s ideas to crystalize solutions. This team approach supports both critical thinking and creativity. As students take control of their learning, they embrace struggle and take risks. They look outside of their group by researching and by sharing thoughts and procedures as they analyze cause and effect. As the thinking continues, they dig deeper and look for parts and whole relationships. As they piece findings together, their possible conclusion is tested by trial and error until they are satisfied.

As the group approaches the finish line, the human good comes into focus as students working together dismiss differences and are permitted to reflect on the completion of a common goal well achieved. To paraphrase a common saying, the collaborative journey is just as important as the ending destination.

Oak Hill Academy is a NJ private school that is co-educational, independent, nonsectarian, and nonprofit for grades pre-kindergarten through eight. Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to a traditional, challenging, and caring learning environment that encourages comprehensive thought processes and deep understandings; thus promoting the wholesome intellectual, emotional, moral, and physical lifetime growth of our students. If you want to learn more about what makes Oak Hill Academy one of the best private school in NJ, visit us online at www.oakhillacademy.com , or subscribe to our mailing list to be notified when we post more topics.