Looking back at my experience with using Cooperative Learning, as a teacher and counselor, I would have to say that some of my most powerful lessons I have taught have included Cooperative Learning. To be honest though, I would also have to say some of my most frustrating and stressful lessons have also included Cooperative Learning :). Reading this chapter I thought back to how I have used CL and if I used the elements they said help make CL successful. The chapter discussed how different professionals define CL and stated that to be considered a CL activity it must contain positive interdependence and individual accountability. Positive interdependence is making sure each group member is contributing to the success of the group. Teachers must clearly define roles and responsibilities in the lesson. Individual accountability refers to each member of the group learning and receiving feedback on their performance. This is where formative and summative assessments are valuable and teachers can determine that every child is learning. Also mentioned in the chapter is keeping group size small and practice using Cooperative Learning consistently and systematically. I personally believe processing after a CL lesson, whether it went well or not, is an essential piece of the CL puzzle.
Why Cooperative Learning?-- Over and over again teachers hear that we are preparing our student for an unknown future. The workforce of the world is changing at an unprecedented pace due to technology. So, one of the most valuable skills we know our students will need is the ability to function effectively with others to accomplish a variety of tasks. CL improves communication skills, increases motivation for learning, helps student gain deeper understanding of material being taught, and develops mutual reasoning skills. When used correctly Cooperative Learning is an invaluable classroom tool that teachers should incorporate often into classroom learning.
**The following is a link to several podcasts on the chapters of Classroom Instruction that Works: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ittw
Why Cooperative Learning?-- Over and over again teachers hear that we are preparing our student for an unknown future. The workforce of the world is changing at an unprecedented pace due to technology. So, one of the most valuable skills we know our students will need is the ability to function effectively with others to accomplish a variety of tasks. CL improves communication skills, increases motivation for learning, helps student gain deeper understanding of material being taught, and develops mutual reasoning skills. When used correctly Cooperative Learning is an invaluable classroom tool that teachers should incorporate often into classroom learning.
**The following is a link to several podcasts on the chapters of Classroom Instruction that Works: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ittw