Cooperative/Collaborative Learning An Instructional technique in which learning activities are specifically designed for small interactive groups Collaborative Learning Techniques – A Handbook for College Faculty – Barkley, Cross & Major, Jossey-Bass Publishing (2005)

Features of Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Intentional Design  Not just group work  Activities intentionally structured by the teacher

Features of Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Co-laboring  All group members must be engaged in active work towards the stated goal  All students should contribute more-or-less equally

Features of Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Meaningful Learning Should Occur  Students must increase knowledge or deepen their understanding of course content  The group task should be structured by the teacher to accomplish the learning objectives of the course

Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Positive Interdependence  Individual success is linked to the success of the group  Students become motivated to help each other achieve group goals

Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Supportive Interaction  Students help and support each other  Sharing of resources  Encouraging each other

Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Group and Individual Accountability  Group is held responsible for achieving its goals  Each member is held responsible for contributing their fair share  Each student is individually assessed

Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Development of Teamwork Skills  The teacher must teach teamwork skills  Increases interpersonal skills  Increases teamwork skills

Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Group Processing  Individuals should evaluate their group’s productivity  Individuals and the group should decide what is working and what needs to be changed

Implementing Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Orienting Students to Cooperative/Collaborative Learning  Students must shift attitudes  Introductions & icebreakers  Course policies & procedures  Establishing group work ground rules

Implementing Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Forming Groups  Group Types – informal, formal or base  Size – normally 2 -6  Homogeneous or heterogeneous grouping  Method for selecting group members  Student roles  Changing group members

Implementing Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Structuring the Learning Activity  Relevant and Integral to course objectives  Match task to students’ abilities and skills  Promote interdependence  Try to ensure individual accountability  Plan for evaluation

Implementing Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Facilitating Student Cooperation  Introduce the activity  Observe and interact with groups  Address problems but let the group handle this as much as possible  Reporting techniques  Help groups achieve closure

Implementing Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Evaluating & Grading the Results  What to evaluate  Evaluate for formative or summative purposes  Who evaluates > Instructor evaluation > Student self-evaluation > Peer evaluation > Group evaluation