Mapping, Clarifying, and Communicating Key Ideas about Collaborative Learning (MC²)

The MC² project brings together researchers and practitioners to co-develop evidence-based resources to support collaborative learning in K-12 classrooms. By connecting current research with classroom practice, we are working to ensure that the strategies teachers use are grounded in research that has been proven to work.

The MC² project was divided into three phases:

• Phase 1: Mapping the Literature
  We created a comprehensive map of the research on collaborative learning, using bibliometric tools to identify key themes and trends in the field.
• Phase 2: Identifying Key Topics
  We brought together a panel of K–12 teachers and education researchers to review the literature map and determine which topics are most relevant and useful for classroom practice.
• Phase 3: Creating Practical Resources
  We co-developed resources based on those key topics. Groups of teachers and researchers worked together to design materials that translate research findings into practical strategies for use in real classrooms.

We created three types of resources to help coaches and teachers incorporate collaborative learning in classrooms:

By working, discussing, and writing together, researchers and practitioners developed a better understanding of each other’s perspectives and how each thinks about collaborative learning.

Learn more about our team and the MC² project

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant 2101341. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.