Why does the IMYM model use collaborative learning?
Collaborative learning strategies form the foundation of the IMYM model. Teachers structure learning experiences so that students are able to practice the skills necessary to function in a variety of groups where they work together to acquire and share knowledge. These experiences allow students to develop the human relations and teamwork skills necessary for interdependent learning. Pam Garnham, IMYM Teacher: “Some of our book-smart students initially had reservations about the IMYM approach, which has collaborative learning at its core. They felt that there might be other students riding on their coat tails as they reached for the stars. But they soon realized that group work doesn’t mean that you do everything together, that you work for somebody else. It means that you divide the work, that you cooperate, and you compromise. Sometimes you work individually and sometimes you share information. They learned to acquire information together but learned that they, each individually, had
