Does Collaborative Learning Improve Student Learning Outcomes? Evidence from a New Experiment

This project creates a collaborative learning framework that promotes a deep approach to learning. In spring 2002, we applied our framework to one section of intermediate macroeconomics, while we taught another section using a traditional lecture format. Unlike previous research, we incorporated the collaborative-learning framework into the regular class period. We identified and then tracked measures of student learning outcomes. Using multivariate regression analysis, we find that students taught by collaborative learning attended class more often, which resulted in higher academic achievement