Olivet Nazarene University

Collaborative learning teams are an integral part of the educational model for most School of Graduate and Continuing Studies programs at Olivet. Our programs demand active participation from students in the educational process, placing substantial responsibility on the learner. We believe the dynamic process of collaborative learning teams maximizes students’ understanding and involvement as well as the learning environment.

Collaborative learning teams are typically comprised of 3–5 students who meet weekly outside class. These teams function as mutual support mechanisms through which students can learn more efficient problem-solving from the professional expertise of their peers.

Collaborative learning teams’ meeting locations, meeting duration and activities are formalized and monitored by our facilitators in collaboration with the individual learning team members. Each team meets a minimum of four hours outside of the required class time to discuss and prepare assignments and share learning resources. Each course generally will require a team project in the form of a written and/or oral report, which usually will be presented to the class for discussion and critique.