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