Silvia Perissinotto 1

COOPERATIVE LEARNING IN EFL CLASSROOM

Using Group Work to Promote Language Learning and Motivation

Università degli Studi di Udine

SSIS 2007/2008Report A046

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Structure

Introduction

Cooperative Learning. What are the advantages

and disadvantages?

How can we use group work to improve students’

motivation and creativity?

Cooperative Learning: My experience as a trainee

Conclusion

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Cooperative Learning.Advantages

More time for students’ oral production

Students get used to helping and learning from each

others

Greater involvement of each member of the class

Less confident students can practice language

without feeling teacher’s pressure

Variety adds spice to the classroom

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Cooperative Learning.Disadvantages

Group work can lose its meaning if handled in

an automatic way

Risk of unbalanced division of roles

Possible conflicts within the groups

Risk of discipline problems

Not integrated students or shy students do not

feel at ease in the group

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How can we use Group Work to Improve Motivation and

Creativity?

Leave students free to choose the topic

Use authentic materials (ex newspaper

articles)

Use modern technologies (ex computer, CD

player)

Divide the activities according to students’

attitudes and interests

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Cooperative Learning. My Experience

At SSIS

At School

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Conclusions

Considerations on Theory and

Practice. The Outcomes of My

Cooperative Learning Experience.