As part of my research proposal, I am exploring theoretical frameworks relevant to my research question, which is: In what ways might the development of facilitation skills contribute to collaboration among knowledge workers from the corporate sector working in hybrid work environments?
The first learning theory I am exploring is social constructivism which is summarized by Millwood (n.d.) as “groups construct knowledge for one another, collaboratively creating a small culture of shared artifacts with shared meanings. Bates (2019) defined social constructivist learning as a group of learners sharing understanding and creating knowledge in a social context that is resulting in collaborative experiences for learners.
The term collaboration is the bridge that leads to the exploration of my second learning framework, which is online learning collaborative theory (OLC).
Bates (2019) explained online collaborative learning theory as the concurrence of constructivism approaches to learning and technologies. The teacher’s presence is connected to various collaborative group work using collaborative technologies for discussion and construction of knowledge, and moderated within a knowledge community (Bates, 2019).
My understanding of both learning theories has been developed over the course of the MALAT program through my teamwork experience. My teammates and I have experienced online collaborative learning through a social presence and knowledge construction in a shared facilitative responsibility. All our teams were small groups of learners with a partial teacher presence, with learners supporting each other through working collaboratively. Both theories involve the teacher that is more of a facilitator, with the teaching and learning being a shared experience of small group activities with students taking ownership of their individual but also their group learnings through social and team skills development (Bates, 2019). Our last team project was conducted within a Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework in the design of facilitation plan and delivery of an online course which included learning activities to intentionally support the CoI’s cognitive, social, and teaching presence.
As I continue my research and readings on these theorical frameworks, my inquiries will revolve around the role of facilitation and collaboration and their relevance in hybrid workplaces, especially with knowledge workers. I also have questions regarding the ultimate group size for successful collaboration and key factors for successful facilitation presence to promote online collaboration learning.
References:
Bates, A. W. (2019). Teaching in a Digital Age, 2nd Edition. Bates Associates Ltd. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev2/
Millwood, R. (n.d.). Learning Theory [Interactive map]. http://hotel-project.eu/sites/default/files/hotel/default/content-files/documentation/Learning-Theory.pdf
November 28, 2022 at 4:01 pm
This is great Stephanie, sounds like two very relevant theoretical frameworks to consider for your research. Similar to the frameworks I am considering, you have one that is very broad and one that is more focused on your specific topic. I am still tackling the concept of the theoretical frameworks in the research project and how to make sure I stay grounded in the chosen framework throughout the project. I am hoping these things flush out a little more clearly as we move forward in this course. You knew that your research was going to focus on collaboration early on and it shows that you have a good direction with your ARP so far, are you experiencing any challenges in these early stages?
Good luck moving forward and I can’t wait to see more of your work!
Melissa
November 30, 2022 at 9:14 pm
Hi Melissa,
It seems now that social constructivism may be in the fabric of the online collaboration learning (OCL) theory so I’m trying to decide if I should pursue OCL with more emphasis on collaboration and the teacher’s presence, or I should still incorporate the social element of social constructivism. That is my crossroad at the moment and hoping to get more clarity in the literature review. Thanks for your question!
November 30, 2022 at 4:19 pm
Stephanie – I enjoyed reading your post. You seem to have a clear vision for using your two frameworks as you move forward. The role of collaboration is one that has resonated with me throughout our time at MALAT.
Your view toward collaboration with knowledge workers is interesting, especially now, where we are seeing hybrid teaching and learning environments continue (since C19 perhaps started it all…). I wonder if you have thought about knowledge flow in an organisation. Cowan and Jonard (2004) talk about knowledge flow networks and how companies use these networks for knowledge sharing.
Brodka, Jankowski, Michalski & Rozewski (2015), break down the knowledge flow even more. “A knowledge flow begins and ends at a knowledge node. A knowledge node is either a team member or a role that can generate, process, and deliver knowledge. A knowledge flow network is made up of knowledge flows and knowledge nodes” (p 1250). It would be interesting to know how facilitation and collaboration fit into or work with these knowledge networks and nodes
References:
Cowan, R., Jonard, N. (2004, June). Network structure and the diffusion of knowledge, Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Volume 28, Issue 8, Pages 1557-1575,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jedc.2003.04.002.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165188903001520)
Brodka, P., Jankowski, J., Michalski, R., Rozewski, P. (2015, October).
Knowledge workers’ collaborative learning behaviour modeling in an organizational social network,Computers in Human Behaviour,
Volume 51, Part B,Pages 1248-1260,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.12.014.
Katia –
November 30, 2022 at 9:10 pm
Hi Katia,
I love your reference to nodes, which I never considered in collaboration and facilitation. The online collaboration learning theory speaks of the teacher’s presence connected to various groups and the visual of nodes certainly apply. Thanks for your comment Katia!