1. Introduction
There are a number of benefits that are associated with the concept of collaborative learning (CL). It is through
understanding the benefits, that we can truly use this learning style to our benefit. Before one can make a judgment
on the merits of CL, it is important to understand exactly what CL is (Annett, N., 1997).
Collaboration is a philosophy of interaction and personal lifestyle where individuals are responsible for their
actions, including learning and respect the abilities and contributions of their peers. In all situations where people
come together in groups, it suggests a way of dealing with people which respects and highlights individual group
members' abilities and contributions. There is a sharing of authority and acceptance of responsibility among group
members for the groups’ actions. The underlying premise of collaborative learning is based upon consensus building
through cooperation by group members, in contrast to competition in which individuals best other group members.
CL practitioners apply this philosophy in the classroom, at committee meetings, with community groups, within
their families and generally as a way of living with and dealing with other people (Panitz, T., 1996).
Brown and Lara (2011) cite Johnsons (2009) that say; there are three ways when individuals take action in
relation to the actions of the others. One's actions may promote the success of others, obstruct the success of others,
or not have any effect at all on the success or failure of others. In other words, individuals may be:
Working together cooperatively to accomplish shared learning goals;
Working against each other (competitively) to achieve a goal that only one or a few can attain;
Working by oneself (individualistically) to accomplish goals unrelated to the goals of others.