Cooperative Learning

In groups of 2 or 3 discuss:

What is cooperative learning?

What should I remember when I use cooperative learning?

How do I implement this strategy in my room?

What is cooperative learning?

Definition•Cooperative learning

is actually a generic term that refers to numerous methods for grouping students.

5 Elements of Cooperative Learning:

1. Positive interdependence* a sense of sink or swim together

2. Face-to-face promotive interaction*helping each other learn, applauding success and efforts

3. Individual and group accountability *each of us has to contribute to the group achieving its goals

4. Interpersonal and small group skills *communication, trust, leadership, decision making, and conflict resolution

5. Group processing * reflecting on how well the team is functioning and how to function even better

P.I.E.S.

P positive interdependence

I individual accountability

E equal participation

S simultaneous interaction

Why should we use cooperative learning in

our classroom?

Cooperative learning has an effect size of .78 when compared with instructional strategies in which students work on tasks individually without competing with one another –

this translates to a 28 percentile gain!

Okay….If I need to use cooperative learning in my classroom…..

Help me!

What do I need to know to implement this strategy effectively?

Positive Interdependence:

Positive Interdependence is probably the most important AND the most difficult part of cooperative learning.

Why?

Because you need to plan it so that the capable students don’t feel held back and the less capable students feel like they had input.

Forming Teams

Setup: class list index cards student scores colored circles

Step1: Make cards for each student Step 2: Sort the cards

Step 3: Color code the cards

Step 4: Form your teams

Individual and Group Accountability:

•Plan a group task but individual assessment of the knowledge or skill that is your focus.

•The goal is to make each member stronger.

•Students learn together and eventually become stronger individually.

Interpersonal and Social Skills:

•Social skills for effective cooperative work do not magically appear

•Social skills must be taught to students just as purposefully and precisely as academic skills.

Some social skills you must teach for cooperative learning to be successful:

•active listening•turn taking•respecting the ideas of others•sharing materials•not making or receiving put-downs•to never laugh at another’s input

•solving problems•making decisions•praising others•disagreeing in an agreeing way•resolving conflicts•reaching consensus

Ideas for my class!