COLLABORATIVE LEARNING AS A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL

Collaborative learning has traditionally been conceptualized as a learner-centered instructional approach aimed at improving students’ language proficiency and communicative competence. However, when viewed through a pedagogical lens, collaborative learning also functions as a powerful instructional tool that supports teachers in managing classroom interaction, implementing communicative methodologies, and responding to diverse learner needs. In ESL/EFL contexts, where teachers often face constraints such as large class sizes, limited instructional time, and mixed-ability groups, collaborative learning serves not only as a method of instruction but also as a strategic tool for enhancing teaching effectiveness.