%0 Journal Article %A Karen Armstrong %D 2011 %J International Journal of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences %B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology %I Open Science Index 58, 2011 %T The Para-Universe of Collaborative Group Work in Today-s University Classrooms: Strategies to Help Ensure Success %U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/4509 %V 58 %X Group work, projects and discussions are important components of teacher education courses whether they are face-toface, blended or exclusively online formats. This paper examines the varieties of tasks and challenges with this learning format in a face to face class teacher education class providing specific examples of both failure and success from both the student and instructor perspective. The discussion begins with a brief history of collaborative and cooperative learning, moves to an exploration of the promised benefits and then takes a look at some of the challenges which can arise specifically from the use of new technologies. The discussion concludes with guidelines and specific suggestions. %P 1292 - 1298