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1.1 - Foundations of Blended Learning and Collaborative Teaching

CollaboratiVET Massive Open Online Course! MODULE 1 - Introduction to Blended Learning and Collaborative Teaching Methods 1.1 - Foundations of Blended Learning and Collaborative Teaching

Learning Objectives

  • L.O1: To comprehend the concept of Blended Learning and its significance in contemporary educational practices.
  • L.O2: To examine the contextual relevance of Blended Learning within the framework of the European Union.
  • L.O3. To establish a foundational understanding of Blended Learning methodologies, strategies, and models..
  • L.O4. To identify and analyze the competences necessary for effective implementation of Blended Learning approaches.
  • L.O5. To explore the concept of Collaborative Teaching and its role in enhancing student learning outcomes.

What is Blended Learning?

The coordinated blending of online and in-person education is known as blended learning. Students in these classes learn "in part online, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace," according to the Christensen Institute.

Context in the European Union

The European Commission also sees blended learning as a good method to implement, especially after the Covid-19 crisis. That is why they published the proposal for a Council Recommendation on blended learning to support high quality and inclusive primary and secondary education.

The Commission offers a plan for integrating learning environments and tools in primary and secondary education and training that can contribute to the development of more resilient education and training systems, in addition to short-term actions to address the most urgent gaps made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foundations of Blended Learning

According to BLU (Blended Learning Universe) we can find several blended learning models that can be implemented in education in many different ways, in general is a combination of one or more of the followings:

  • Station Rotation
  • Lab Rotation
  • Individual Rotation
  • Flipped Classroom
  • Flex
  • A La Carte
  • Enriched Virtual

What are the competences required in Blended Learning?

 The BLU study identified four essential competencies unique to blended learning:

  • Online Integration: the capacity to successfully integrate online and in-person learning is known as online integration.
  • Data practices: the capacity to track student progress by using digital technologies to keep an eye on performance and activity levels.
  • Personalization: the capacity to create a learning environment where students can adjust their objectives, speed, and/or learning path is known as personalization.
  • Online Interaction: facilitating online interactions between and with students is known as online interaction facilitation.

Collaborative Teaching

“Two heads are definitely better than one and by sourcing ideas from each other, you have a better chance of coming up with a strategy that will allow your business to overcome a setback or challenge.”

- Richard Branson

Collaborative Teaching is The method by which two or more teachers instruct, guide, and mentor the same group of students together. Some of the tips that can be followed when implementing this approach in the classroom are:

  1. Understand what the students' needs are
  2. Prepare the lessons together with the other teacher
  3. Talk to the teacher before classes
  4. Define the objectives of the classes

Types of Collaborative Teaching

Co-teaching involves two or more certified professionals who contract to share instructional responsibility for a single group of students primarily in a single classroom or workspace for specific content or objectives with mutual ownership, pooled resources and joint accountability. (Friend & Cook 2016)

Six Approaches to Co-Teaching:

  1. One Teach, One Observe
  2. One Teach, One Assist
  3. Parallel Teaching
  4. Station Teaching
  5. Alternative Teaching Team Teaching

The Role of Digital Technologies in Education

Reflection Activity

Reflect on the information provided about Blended Learning, Collaborative Teaching, and the Role of Digital Technologies in Education. Consider the following questions:

  • Reflect on the guidelines for collaborative teaching. How might these strategies enhance student learning outcomes in your classroom?
  • Which approach to co-teaching (e.g., one teach, one observe; parallel teaching) do you think would work best in your teaching context? Why?
  • How have digital technologies transformed the educational landscape, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • Reflect on your own use of digital tools in teaching. What benefits have you observed, and what challenges have you faced?
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.