 |
| Picture courtesy of http://shellyterrell.com/files/2010/11/Picture-2-2dw2nrw.png |
Cooperative Learning
What is cooperative learning and
how can it be implemented in a classroom. Lets look at this idea broadly and
narrow it down. From what I have observed and read is that first and foremost
as the teacher we need to know our students. I know I taught a lesson this past
fall and I did a random name draw to create groups. My cooperating teacher was
a bit on edge at first thinking two students who didn’t work well together were
put together. When I was drawing the names I knew these students didn’t work
well, so I made sure they were all in different groups.
You really need to know your
students. If you have all the bossy kids together they won’t work. All the shy
kids together won’t work either. You can do random picks as well from time to
time to have students who normally may not work together to allow them time
together, sometimes kids can surprise us.
I know I’ve discussed with teachers
the number of students in a team or group and the majority say 4-6 per group.
More than 6 I have been told just isn't as effective when it comes to group
work. Also, that you should assign roles for each student. I remember one
teacher she would set colored clips on the desks. We would each pick one out;
she would than put the task on the board and what each color represented. One
person was the recorder (the writer), another the go-getter and putter away of
supplies, pen-holder (so everyone had a chance to share before the writer could
write) and many other different jobs depending on the task. I felt this was a
great way because each time you could end up with a different task, even if you
always picked the same color.
Some ways to incorporate
cooperative learning are through think-pair-share. Students are posed a
question and think about it individually, than they pair with a classmate
collaborate than share as a whole group. Another way is by having clock
buddies. You have students set up a clock with other classmates names on them
and when you want students to work cooperatively you can call out “Work with
you 2 o’clock buddy” this way you don’t have to worry about a student not being
picked.
Check out the article from the U.S. Department
of Education regarding cooperative learning. Cengage Learning also has a
great website you can read up to learn more about Cooperative
Learning.
