The idea that students are working collaboratively toward a common goal or purpose is the heart of the cooperative learning process. In many ways, this model is an extension of the guided design process, allowing students to collectively develop problem-solving skills while also learning management skills, conflict resolution, and ways to interact within the framework of a project team.
There are many recorded benefits of this model, including:
- the opportunity to learn with and from one another
- the accountability created by a model where all members will "sink or swim" together ("A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link")
- the interdependency of each member's role
- creates a "safe" place for those not comfortable sharing in large group settings
- each team member has an opportunity for their voice to be heard
- promotes problem solving skills
- increased student retention
- student engagement
- allows students to develop communication & social skills
- promotes positive self-esteem
- a collective sense of accomplishment when the task is complete
Kudos to the team at NCSU who recognized the learning style of women and incorporated the cooperative learning model as a means to engage & retain women in the field of engineering! "The use of cooperative learning has specifically been advocated as a means of retaining women in engineering programs, since women tend to prefer collaborative to competitive learning." (Haller, Gallagher, Weldon, & Felder)
There are so many models for how Cooperative Learning can play out in the classroom setting. Think-Pair-Share is one that I have both participated in as a student and initiated as a teacher. On the other end of the spectrum, I am reminded of the small group collaboration among students playing the World Peace Game as highlighted in the movie "World Peace and other 4th Grade Achievements" (see trailer below). The sky's the limit when it comes to finding ways to incorporate the Cooperative Learning model in an educational setting.
Umm, first of all, where can I get that amazing structure for the middle of my classroom from all my students to plan their little countries on? (And how do all of the children avoid bumping into it and knocking down all those little people?!)
ReplyDeleteI think that video is a good illustration of the type of high level thinking that students can engage in when working in cooperative groups. It made me think of last's week's strategy- problem-solving as well.
Julie,
ReplyDeleteI loved the video of the fourth graders. Some of the terms and problem solving skills that they had to address within their cooperative groups amazed me. I had to double check to make sure that the students were in elementary school. All young students need the opportunity to work in groups to help simulate the real world.
I also like using the think pair share concept. It is beneficial for students to form their own opinions and thoughts before talking to a peer.
My partner loves think-pair-share too. She puts a spin on it having the kids illustrate their understanding of the reading and then share out their illustrations or add to other illustrations. It works well.
ReplyDeleteJulie, love your compilation of benefits. Sometimes I find the group accountability piece a little stressful for students and a source of conflict among them. For instance, student with a weak member may get frustrated that their results are going to be diminished by that student's lack of participation or descriptiveness. Of course this is for bigger projects. I'm glad that your mentioned simple strategies such as think pair share, a cooperative learning effort that takes little planning and structuring, but still promotes interaction and idea exchange. So how do you see this approach translating to technology rich environment?
ReplyDeleteJulie - I really liked your comments on this weeks reading. Like Shaun, I, too, feel that group accountability is a source of concern for students. However, in today's 21st century workplace, students need to learn cooperation skills to be successful. So many companies are global; and therefore students will be expected to work with others in different states and countries. Developing this skill in our students will ultimately help them with their future.
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