We sink or swim together Mike Rospenda 1 Cooperative Learning Ideas

Theory: We all depend on each other Mike Rospenda 2 Make sure that kids understand that every person in the group can contribute. Look at learning modalities and target strong modalities for initial jobs Make sure all the jobs are perceived as important. Look for High quality Work on all tasks.

Theory: Mike Rospenda 3 Start small. Set students up for success Use short time frames Use specific and frequent praise Have students notice what they are doing well We make behavior mistakes, we don’t do things wrong.

How Tos: Mike Rospenda 4 1. Start with triad groups in the beginning Makes conflict resolution easier 2. Try to have the groups work on a project for 5-10 minutes Short enough to have them stay out of trouble, long enough to work 3. Make the tasks as concrete as possible

How Tos: Mike Rospenda 5 The magic questions: How, why, what if- these will get discussion started. Have students explain their ideas to each other, to you, to the class Use many modalities to share information Act it out, say it, write it, Silly it

Interpersonal Skills Needed Mike Rospenda 6 Leadership Trust building Decision making Communicating

Interpersonal skills: leadership Mike Rospenda 7 You aren’t the “boss”, you’re the servant! Practice this. Role play what this means. Discuss needs and satisfactions.

Interpersonal skills: Trust Mike Rospenda 8 Do what you say, say what you mean Make a promise, keep a promise

Interpersonal skills: Communication Mike Rospenda 9 You are the clarifier You ask the questions You make sure everyone understands directions, ideas You are the only one who comes up to the teacher during group time

How Tos: Group Process Mike Rospenda 10 At the end of each session give time for highlights and lowlights Give time for: I learned that…. Have students do most of the discussion. ONLY PUT UPS, NO PUT DOWNS. Speak in “I” sentences.

Sample cooperative learning plan Mike Rospenda 11 Review rules 5 Role play rules, examples, non examples 5 Discuss roles: communicator, leader, drawer, writer, 10 Everybody is responsible for everything Describe the task: Ask for questions. Review roles ( try to trick them)

Sample cooperative learning plan Mike Rospenda 12 Go to work Walk the room, be specific in praise Stop at 5-10 minutes- practice praise, observations Go back to work, use same routine