COOPERATIVE LEARNING.

COOPOERATIVE  LEARNING

Cooperative learning is a learning method in which students work together in a small heterogeneous group to achieve a common academic goal. It is a method of instruction in which students work together in a small groups with a goal of completing a specific task.

VYGOTSKEY says that “What children can do together today, they can do alone tomorrow  “

Characteristics of Cooperative Learning

v  Positive interdependence –The team members learn together, work in a small group and plan to finish a task.

v  Face – to –face interaction – Students need to do work together, promote each other’s by helping, supporting, encouraging each other’s efforts to achieve.

v  Individual accountability – Each member of the group is accountable for sharing his knowledge with the rest of the group.

v  Equal participation – Each member the group is afforded equal shares of responsibility.

v  Simultaneous interaction - Allows students interactions’ during the period.

v  Group processing- discuss how to achieve goals and maintaining effective working relationships.

v  Interpersonal and small group skill – Teaches students interpersonal skills like leadership, decision-making, trust building, communication skills

Steps in cooperative learning

1.      Content to be taught is identified.

2.      Group size is determined by the teacher.

3.      Students are assigned to groups.

4.      Classroom is  arranged for group interaction.

5.      Group processing are taught.

6.      A time line is made clear to students.

7.      Provide initial materials as appropriate.

8.      Monitor student interaction in the groups and provide assistance as needed.

9.      Evaluate the outcomes.

10.  Groups are rewarded for success.

Merits

o    Increases students motivation.

o   Increase student  retention , promote high achievement and class attendance.

o   Enhances student satisfaction with the learning experience.

o   Promote a positive attitude towards learning and subject matter.

o   Develop and practice skills such as communication skills, self management skills, social interaction skills, decision making skills, self management skills, leadership, trust building.

o   Reduce classroom and text anxiety.

Demerits

§  Time consuming method compared to any other methods.

§  Need special training for effective implementation.

§  The instructor has got lesser control over the learner.

§  Gifted students are held back by the lower ability students in their group.

§  Existing classroom not suitable for cooperative learning.

§  Noise level will escalate which cause prolems for those students who have attention difficulties.

Cooperative Learning Strategies in Mathematics

Cooperative Learning techniques like Think Pair Share, Jigsaw, Round table etc. can be effectively used for learning mathematics.

Think-Pair-Share: Teacher poses a question/problem. Give sufficient think time for individuals think. Students pair to discuss responses.  Students share their responses with the team or the class.

Numbered Heads Together : Group the students in the class. Number students from 1 to 4 within their teams. Call out a question. Students in teams put their heads together to discuss the answer. Randomly call a number from 1 to 4. On each team, the student whose number was called writes the answer on the team response board. They place the response board face down when ready. When all teams are ready, have the designated student stand and hold up their response board to show their answer. Check each team's answer for accuracy.

Jigsaw : Students are members of two groups: home group and expert group. In the heterogeneous home group, students are each assigned a different topic. Once a topic has been identified, students leave the home group and group with the other students with their assigned topic. In the new group, students learn the material together before returning to their home group. Once back in their home group, each student is accountable for teaching his or her assigned topic.

Round Table: Teacher asks one student from each team to take out pencil and paper. And poses a project, question with multiple answers, a topic to write about, or a task that has many possible solutions, steps, or procedures. In teams, students take turns passing the paper and pencil or team project, each writing one answer or making one contribution.