Creating Collaborative Learning Environment for English Language Learners

Abstract

This study explores strategies adopted by a private school teacher in Kathmandu to create a collaborative learning environment for English language learners in Grade Five. A collaborative learning ambience is an educational approach where two or more learners work together in small groups to obtain a common goal, such as solving a problem, completing a task, or creating a product. This method highlights active engagement, shared responsibility, and mutual learning, where learners depend on and are accountable to each other. Key elements encompass positive interdependence, individual and group accountability, interpersonal skills, face-to-face interaction, and group processing to develop deeper understanding and critical thinking. The study adopted a case study design to collect and analyze data from a single participant. In-depth interview and observation techniques were used to collect data. The participant was chosen purposively. Findings reveal that the teacher demonstrated initiative in enhancing collaboration through group work, and interactive activities. However, the use of limited technological resources, institutional support remained weak to develop collaborative learning environment. In particular, collegial support and principal’s cooperation was found weak in his initiative to creating English speaking environment. Despite these limitations, the teacher’s efforts indicated the potential of collaborative learning to enhance not only students’ language competence but also their communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. As the study was conducted with a single participant, it cannot be generalized in a larger population. The finding of this study is context specific.