Are Team Work and Collaboration Synonymous?

The dictionary definition of team work is, “the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.” Whereas, collaboration’s definition states, “the action of working with someone to produce or create something.”  In short, all collaboration has team work but not all team work is a collaboration, with the distinguishing factor being collaboration creates a product and is an investment of time.  When we engage students to work collaboratively, we are not only teaching them team work but also are engaging their critical thinking.  The key aspects of collaboration are illustrated on our downloadable infographic as a handy reminder and tool.  Enjoy co-creating with your students!