Collaboration with Peers.

According to Merriam Webster's dictionary, collaboration is defined as "working jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor."  Collaboration is essential for teachers.  Not only collaboration with teachers, but collaboration with parents and administration.  It is extremely important that groups work together toward a common goal.  This is the first step toward effective collaboration.  I believe collaboration occurs when group members come together and share their ideas with one another in order to reach a common goal.  Collaboration is different from group work and cooperative learning because everyone is expected to participate equally.  Everyone should have something to share in order to collaborate with other group members.  I think sometimes in group work and cooperative learning, group members may not feel obligated to participate if they do not have anything to contribute.  In collaboration, every group member is expected to participate.