Cooperative LearningClassroom Instruction that Works – Chapter 7

Forney-Lee, Beck, Fisher, Boughton, & Jacobs

Learning Objective

TPWBAT define cooperative learning by writing a definition.

TPWBAT will list 2 examples of various strategies to implement cooperative learning in their classrooms.

What do you think cooperative learning is?

• Write down your definition of what cooperative learning is.

• Write 2 examples of how you use cooperative learning in your classroom

What is Cooperative Learning?

Cooperative learning is a successful teaching strategy in which small groups, of different ability levels, use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject.

Why we use Cooperative Learning- promote student learning & academic

achievement- increase student retention- enhance student satisfaction with their

learning experience- develop oral communication skills- develop social skills-promote students self-esteem-develop cultural understanding & diversity

5 Elements of Cooperative Learning• Positive interdependence

sink or swim together

• Face-to-face interaction promote each other's success

• Individual & group accountability

• Interpersonal & small group skillsleadership, conflict resolution, trust building,

communication

• Group processingsetting norms, reflection

3 Generalizations of Cooperative Learning

• Organizing groups based on ability levels should be done sparingly.

• Cooperative groups should be kept rather small in size.

• Cooperative learning should be applied consistently and systematically, but not overused.

Organizing groups based on ability levels should be done sparingly.

• Students have an increase in learning when grouped with those of similar ability levels instead of working independently.

• Students made the most gains when grouped heterogeneously.

Page 87 & 88 – figure 7.2 & 7.3

Kagan Learning StrategiesJigsaw - Each group member is assigned some unique

material to learn and then to teach to his group members.

Numbered Heads Together - Each member is given numbers of 1, 2, 3, 4. Questions are asked of the group. Groups work together to answer the question so that all can verbally answer the question. Teacher calls out a number (two) and each two is asked to give the answer.

Kagan

Team Pair Solo - Students do problems first as a team, then with a partner, and finally on their own. It is designed to motivate students to tackle and succeed at problems which initially are beyond their ability.

Think-Pair-Share

Simultaneous RoundTable

1. Write a story using a list of words.2. Everyone writes!3. Everyone passes!4. Continue: Pass-N-Add

Cooperative groups should be kept rather small in size.

• Students working in pairs had a 6% gain.• Groups of 3-4 students had a 9% gain.• Groups of 5-7 had a -1% gain.

Students benefit the mostwhen groups consist of only 3 – 4 students.

Page 88 – Figure 7.4

Cooperative learning should be applied consistently and systematically, but not overused.

• Cooperative groups are most effective when applied at least once a week.

• Misused – tasks assigned are not well structured

• Overused – if students do not have time to practice & process independently the skills they must master.

• Revisit & revise your earlier definition.

• List 2 new strategies to implement in your classroom.

• Discuss what you will change or implement in your classroom regarding cooperative learning.

In Conclusion…….