COOPERATIVE LEARNING

Cooperative learning is more than merely having students sit together, helping the others do their work.

Cooperative learning requires a number of criteria be met.  They are:

• learners actively participate;

• teachers become learners at times, and learners sometimes teach;

• respect is given to every member;

• projects and questions interest and challenge students;

• diversity is celebrated, and all contributions are valued;

• students learn skills for resolving conflicts when they arise;

• members draw upon their past experience and knowledge;

• goals are clearly identified and used as a guide;

• students are invested in their own learning.

Group members are also responsible for the behavior of all members.  If a team member displays inappropriate behavior, it is the duty of fellow members to remind that student to `check' him/herself.  The members attempt to refocus the misbehaving student by offering help and suggestions.

How will cooperative learning benefit students?

• When students work together toward a common goal, academic work becomes valued by peers.

• Students are motivated to help one another learn.

• Students take responsibility for their own learning.

• Students translate the teacher’s language into kid talk for one another.

• Students learn to see situations from another’s viewpoint, justify their own viewpoints, and analyze ideas.

• Students have fun learning.