Noura


 * __ Reflection on the collaborative work __**

Our first session was terrific one where we discussed our first mini group project and we decided on a great topic which is the Best practice in UAE. I am an English teacher in a primary boy’s school called Omair Bin Abi Waqqas school, from four years a new program implemented in 50 government school around UAE which is Madres Al Ghad School. This program concentrates on integrating math, science and English. This year I am teaching grade 3, the subject I am teaching are maths integrated with English. Laila taught for ten years but currently student services manager in HBMeU. So, she was excited to know more about integration subject science, math with English which is a totally new concept for her.

We did a power point presentation using Engestrom Triangle to write about the best practice. Then we had to write it as an assignment in the document. My part was to introduce the program, put the materials, the lecture and my experience. Laila’s part was to finish the Semi finish project by adding references and shaping it up.

**__ I learned many crucial points through collaborative work __** :


 * Time management is one of the most important points I learned from my colleague Laila where she emphasis on finishing the work earlier to get feedback and improve our work as well as to prevent getting overload.


 * I build a better understanding and gained knowledge and elicit richer information through working in groups rather than working individually.


 * I learned a new ideas and concepts of making power point presentation.

** __Reflection on the whole group projec__t **



“Collaborative learning fosters the development of critical thinking through discussion, clarification of ideas, and evaluation of others' ideas.” // www2.ku.edu/~hvc2/Collab-final.**ppt** //

From my perspective I believe that working as a whole group is very effective strategy, it gives me opportunity to generate new ideas. As well, group work fosters negotiation and co-operative skills, especially if the groups get bigger. They can also help provide motivation ; as a whole class group will often work hard on a project or performance which we know is going to be seen by the whole class. It is also a great way to ensure that working in groups is the best way to ensure that projects are discussed thoroughly and that people who might be unwilling to speak in front of the whole class get a chance to contribute.

Working as a whole group was a great experience. We decided on an integrated space on Wiki spaces, to present our work. Before we decided on the wiki space we had couple meeting virtual and physical where we discussed ways of polishing the project. In the wiki space we included our reflections about working in mini and whole group project, the challenges we face, etc.

Challenges: This is my first time that I work with a big group as a whole class project. It was really challenging to accept other learners believe and concepts.

__ Through learning as a whole group project I gained __ : · Group work promotes discussion and interaction. · I learn from other students and develop the skill of expressing concepts. · Develop my own opinion. · Share ideas and thought. · Accept other learner opinion.

 Nora Viva Presntation media type="youtube" key="VADCS9ErZDg?fs=1" height="385" width="480" align="center"