Cooperative Learning
Jamie Farnsworth, Karen Saxton & Nicole Teran
Why Use Cooperative Learning?
1. Promote student learning and academic
achievement
2. Help students develop skills in oral communication
3. Enhance student satisfaction with their learning
experience
4. Increase student retention
5. Develop students' social skills
6. Promote student self-esteem
5 Basic Elements
#1 Positive Interdependence
Sink or Swim Together
#2 Individual and Group Accountability
No Hitchhiking or Social Loafing
• Keep group size small
• Give individual test
• Randomly examine students orally
• Observe each group
• Have students teach what they learn
#3 Face to Face InteractionPromote Each Other’s Success
#4 Interpersonal and Small Group Skills
Leadership
Decision-making
Trust-building
Communication
Conflict-management skills
#5 Group Processing
GROUP GOALS+INDIVIDUAL
ACCOUNTABILITY=COOPERATIVE
LEARNING
10 Tips for Cooperative Learning
1. Playing teacher
2. The interview
3. Catch a brainstorm
4. Number Frenzy
5. Group Grading
6. The great debate
7. Listing activity
8. The One Minute Game
9. Assigning group roles
10. Ranking order
10 Tips for Cooperative Learning
Considerations
1. Sometimes manipulation of groups may be necessary
2. Some students may not respond well in forced group situations
3. Time consuming
4. It is important to be alert and promoting success
References
Kagan, Spencer. Cooperative Learning. San Clemente, CA: Kagan Publishing, 1994. www.KaganOnline.com
David and Roger Johnson. "Cooperative Learning." [Online] 15 October 2001. <http://www.clcrc.com/pages/cl.html>.
BBCWorldwide | November 29, 2007
www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/cooperativelearningtips.html
Cooperative Learning
Jamie Farnsworth, Karen Saxton & Nicole Teran