Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Challenges and Prospects of Integrating Collaborative Learning Models into Curriculum and Instruction in Teacher Education in Nigeria

Tupele-ebi E Oyadonghan PhD and Benneth Ifiezibe PhD : Challenges, collaborative learning, teacher education, Curriculum, Instruction, prospects and policy reform

Abstract

This study focuses on the challenges and prospects of integrating collaborative learning (CL) models into the curriculum and instruction of teacher education in Nigeria. Collaborative learning is an instructional strategy that involves students working together to achieve shared educational goals, fostering communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This model is supported by the social constructivist theory (Vygotsky, 1978), is increasingly being identified as very important for the development of 21st-century skills among learners. Despite its numerous advantages, the implementation of CL in Nigerian teacher education, as a developing country, faces very many obstacles. Such obstacles include: inadequate infrastructure, lack of proper teacher training scheme in place, traditional teaching practices, and limited access to technology. This study adopts a ground theory research with qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore these challenges and highlight the potential prospects for effective utilization of collaborative learning in Nigerian teacher education programmes. By examining barriers such as infrastructural constraints, resistance to pedagogical shifts, and cultural issues, as well as opportunities like digital tools, policy reforms, and professional development programmes, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how CL can be integrated effectively into the Nigerian educational system.

Keywords

Challengescollaborative learningteacher educationCurriculumInstruction

References

Akinyemi, A. (2019). The challenges of teacher education in Nigeria: A critical review. *Journal of Nigerian Education, 15*(3), 45-60. Ajayi, K. (2020). Collaborative learning in teacher education: Overcoming challenges in Nigeria. *Journal of Educational Research, 18*(4), 21-36. Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). *Teacher education and the learning profession: A review of the evidence*. Stanford University Press. Federal Ministry of Education. (2014). *National Policy on Education* (6th ed.). Government Press. Hakkarainen, K., Palonen, T., & Lehtinen, E. (2017). Collaborative learning in teacher education: A Finnish perspective. *Learning and Instruction, 49*, 1-8. Johnson, D., & Johnson, R. (2009). *Cooperation and competition: Theory and research*. Edina, MN: Interaction Book Company. Oluwatayo, A., & Adebule, F. (2019). Examining the role of academic collaboration in improving educational standards. *African Journal of Education, 23*(2), 67-79. UNESCO. (2018). *The role of teacher collaboration in improving education systems*. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNICEF. (2020). *Education and teacher collaboration: Transforming education systems through partnerships*. United Nations Children's Fund. World Bank. (2017). *Improving teacher quality in Africa: Lessons from international collaborations*. World Bank Group. Processing on achievement in cooperative groups. J Soc Psycho, 130 (4), 507-516. Klemm, W.R. (2024). Using a Formal Collaborative Learning Paradigm for Veterinary Medical Education. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 21(1), 2-6. Journal of Public Administration and Social Welfare Research E-ISSN 2756-5475 P-ISSN 2695-2440 Vol. 10 No. 3 2025 jpaswr www. Laal, M., & Ghodsi, S.M. (2022). Benefits of collaborative learning. Journal of Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 31, 486 – 490. Leonard, P. E. & Leonard, L.J. (2021). The collaborative prescription: Remedy or reverie? International Journal of Leadership in Education, 4(4); 383–99. MacGregor, J.T. (2000). Collaborative learning: Shared inquiry as a process of reform. In M.D., Svinicki (Ed.). The changing face of college teaching, New Directions for Teaching and Learning No. 42. San Francisco, USA: Jossey-Bass Publishing. Panitz, T. (2021). Benefits of Cooperative Learning in Relation to Student Motivation", In M., Theall (Ed.) Motivationfrom within: Approaches for encouraging faculty and students to excel, New directions for teaching and learning. San Francisco, CA: USA. Josey-Bass publishing. Pugach, M.C., & Johnson, L. J. (2023). Collaborative practitioner’s collaborative school. Denver, Colorado, USA: Love Company Publishing. Williams D. (2024) Collaborative Teaching Models to meet student Oyadonghan T.E. & Timi-Johnny T (2024) Evidence Based Teaching and Classroom Management. International Journal of Education and Evaluation. 10(1), Pg 425-437