Cooperative Learning is the Most Effective Method for Learning Science Con Position

Cooperative Learning is NOT the most effective Pseudoscience Pseudoscience Brain Research Brain Research Experts vs Novices Experts vs Novices Other Methods are Just as Good Other Methods are Just as Good Multiple Intelligences Multiple Intelligences Metacognition Metacognition Pitfalls Pitfalls Notes Notes Moses Effect Moses Effect

How are cooperative learning groups different from traditional groups? Grouping Grouping Team-building Team-building Interdependence Interdependence Teacher monitoring Teacher monitoring Leadership Leadership Group reports Group reports

Are there instances, when cooperative learning groups can be useful? Cooperative learning can be useful for elementary students for the following reasons. Cooperative learning can be useful for elementary students for the following reasons.

Are cooperative learning groups the best way to reinforce the development of thinking skills in science subjects? What are the goals of education? What are the goals of education? What should be the role of teachers in the classroom? What should be the role of teachers in the classroom? When we give tests to students, do we give the test to the group or to the individual student? Why? When we give tests to students, do we give the test to the group or to the individual student? Why?

Cooperative Learning-A Definition Bursuk and Friend (2006)-Cooperative learning: positive interdependence, face to face interactions, individual accountability, and interpersonal skills. Bursuk and Friend (2006)-Cooperative learning: positive interdependence, face to face interactions, individual accountability, and interpersonal skills. “Students work together in small groups toward a common goal” “Students work together in small groups toward a common goal” Central Queensland University, Australia Central Queensland University, Australia Host of Online Collaborative Learning International Site Host of Online Collaborative Learning International Site

Brain Research Phillips (2005) Phillips (2005) Students need chunking as well as big pictureStudents need chunking as well as big picture Making information relevantMaking information relevant

How People Learn Experts vs. Novices Experts needed when extensive breadth of knowledge Experts needed when extensive breadth of knowledge ContextualizeContextualize Experts needed when problem solving is required Experts needed when problem solving is required MetacognitionMetacognition

Pseudoscience! Johnson (2008) indicates that starting with zealous ideas of supremacy followed by filtered research is a no-no. Johnson (2008) indicates that starting with zealous ideas of supremacy followed by filtered research is a no-no. Why would we be here if there were a single best learning strategy? Why would we be here if there were a single best learning strategy? Science Science Perceived reality determines belief

Multiple Intelligences What would Howard Gardner say about this claim? What would Howard Gardner say about this claim? “…I am convinced that all seven of the intelligences have equal claim to priority.” “I think of the intelligences as raw, biological potentials…” (1993, p.6) Cooperative learning alone is multiple intelligence deficient.

CL Best? Students don’t think so! End of semester anonymous survey “Doing things by our self and looking at changes and effects helps me learn.” Conclusion: Differentiate and/or balance

Metacognition, Prior Knowledge, Inquiry (Bransford & Donovan, 2005) The tenets of learning according to How Students Learn Science in the Classroom The tenets of learning according to How Students Learn Science in the Classroom Group work is not THE approach to supporting the development of metacognitive skills. Group work is not THE approach to supporting the development of metacognitive skills. Group dynamics can yield hazards Group dynamics can yield hazards “Some students may dominate the discussion and the group decisions, while others may participate little if at all.” “Some students may dominate the discussion and the group decisions, while others may participate little if at all.” Solution: more individual approaches Solution: more individual approaches

Metacognition, Prior Knowledge, Inquiry Teacher modeling Hands-on learning Lecture Authentic assessment Cooperative Learning Individual work Discussion Prior Knowledge Inquiry Metacognition

Pitfalls Academic outcomes of cooperative learning for students with disabilities vary (as cited in McMaster & Fuchs, 2002 by Bursuk and Friend 2006). Academic outcomes of cooperative learning for students with disabilities vary (as cited in McMaster & Fuchs, 2002 by Bursuk and Friend 2006). CL is hard to implement properly. CL is hard to implement properly. According to Bursuk and Friend (2006), cooperative learning: positive interdependence, face to face interactions, individual accountability, and interpersonal skills. According to Bursuk and Friend (2006), cooperative learning: positive interdependence, face to face interactions, individual accountability, and interpersonal skills.

Pitfalls Independence according to Covey (1989): “as we become independent- proactive, centered in correct principles, value driven and able to organize and execute around the priorities in our life with integrity…”(p187). Independence according to Covey (1989): “as we become independent- proactive, centered in correct principles, value driven and able to organize and execute around the priorities in our life with integrity…”(p187). Independence ≠ My students Independence ≠ My students Interdependence Independence

Quotes by Dr. Rivas “The goal is differentiation, the idea is to reach different types of learners.” February 21, 2007 “Teachers tend to do what is easiest or what they are used to doing.” February 7, 2007

Moses Effect VERY WIDELY USED VERY WIDELY USED Positive results are only found in research if the cooperative learning is formal. Positive results are only found in research if the cooperative learning is formal. Unfortunately, the varieties of cooperative learning most widely used are informal and lack the fundamental elements that can make cooperative learning effective. (Slavin 2003). Unfortunately, the varieties of cooperative learning most widely used are informal and lack the fundamental elements that can make cooperative learning effective. (Slavin 2003). Research shows that cooperative learning is great.

Cooperative Learning is NOT the most effective Pseudoscience Pseudoscience Brain Research Brain Research Experts vs Novices Experts vs Novices Other Methods are Just as Good Other Methods are Just as Good Multiple Intelligences Multiple Intelligences Metacognition Metacognition Pitfalls Pitfalls Notes Notes Moses Effect Moses Effect

Alternative: Model-Based Inquiry How Students Learn: Science in the Classroom (2005) How Students Learn: Science in the Classroom (2005) Genetics UnitGenetics Unit Background: Mendel Background: Mendel Own Pedigree Own Pedigree Understanding of Inheritance Patterns Understanding of Inheritance Patterns

Conclusion