Co-operative Learning By: Matthew Wannamaker

Penguins Cooperating https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEGkrOtzqWo

Definition Cooperative learning is an approach to organizing classroom activities into academic and social learning experiences. It differs from group work, and it has been described as "structuring positive interdependence.“ Students must work in groups to complete tasks collectively toward academic goals. Unlike individual learning, which can be competitive in nature, students learning cooperatively capitalize on one another’s resources and skills. Furthermore, the teacher's role changes from giving information to facilitating students' learning.

Definition (cont.) Ross and Smyth (1995) describe successful cooperative learning tasks as intellectually demanding, creative, open-ended, and involve higher order thinking tasks.

Purpose There is an every increasing need for interdependence in all levels of our society. Providing students with the tools to effectively work in a collaborative environment should be a priority. Cooperative Learning is one way of providing students with a well defined framework from which to learn from each other. Students work towards fulfilling academic and social skill goals that are clearly stated. It is a team approach where the success of the group depends upon everyone pulling his or her weight.

Everyone succeeds when the group succeeds. The Main Goal Everyone succeeds when the group succeeds.

Five Basic Elements of Cooperative Learning 1. Positive Interdependence 2. Face-To-Face Interaction 3. Individual Accountability 4. Social Skills 5. Group Processing

Supported research Slavin states the following regarding research on cooperative is learning which corresponds with Brady & Tsay’s (2010) findings. Students demonstrate academic achievement Cooperative learning methods are usually equally effective for all ability levels. Cooperative learning is effective for all ethnic groups Student perceptions of one another are enhanced when given the opportunity to work with one another Cooperative learning increases self-esteem and self-concept Ethnic and physically/mentally handicapped barriers are broken down allowing for positive interactions and friendships to occur

Supported Research (cont.) Johnson and Johnson (1989) concluded cooperative learning results in: Increased higher level reasoning Increased generation of new ideas and solutions Greater transfer of learning between situations According to Reijo Siltala cooperative learning is significant in business field. Cooperative learning can be seen as characteristic for innovation businesses. The five stage division on cooperative learning creates a useful method of analysing learning in innovation businesses. Innovativity connected to cooperative learning seems to make the creation of innovations possible.

Benefits of Cooperative Learning It helps to keep a sense of community within your classroom If some students are struggling, it allows them a better chance of understanding as others in their group may have a different skill set and can help Observing cooperative learning groups in action allows you to effectively assess students' work and understanding. Cooperative learning groups also offer a unique opportunity for feedback from peers and for self-reflection.

Deficiencies of Cooperative Learning If you do not have a good sense of community within your classroom the activity may not go as well as you would have hoped It creates a problem for you as how you think you want to mark the achievement of the group and the individuals Students that do not have the proper social kids will struggle and may not be able to contribute to the group’s achievement

Quote Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but co-operation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Activity Amongst the group, you must put this puzzle together without speaking to each other.