Cooperative Learning in the Science Classroom Peer Facilitator Workshop Donna L. Pattison, PhD Instructional Professor Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Cooperation vs. Competition Grading Policy: Only the top two students will get A’s in this class no matter what. Results? Benefits? Disadvantages?
Cooperative Learning: Goals 1.Acquire new information 2.To process information already acquired from prior learning 3.Acquire social skills and team skills
John Dewey: 1916 Small problem-solving groups Search for their own answers Learn democratic principles of teamwork Image Source: retrieved 10/02/2012http://
Cooperative Learning Roots Around the World Robert Slavin: Inner cities on east coast: integration Y. Sharan and S. Sharan: Israel; Integration of European and Middle Eastern Jews (1948 Israel founded) Robert and David Johnson: Minnesota: Integration of handicapped students into mainstreamed classrooms On a piece of paper: What challenges did each of these populations face? Why might cooperative learning be effective in shifting attitudes and beliefs?
We Learn: 10% of what we read 20% of what we hear 30% of what we see 50% of what we both see and hear 70% of what is discussed with others 80% of what we experience personally 95% of what we teach someone else - William Glasser
What skills are current employers seeking?
Skills Desired by Fortune 500 Companies: 1.Teamwork 2.Problem solving 3.Interpersonal skills 4.Oral communications 5.Listening 6.Personal/Career Development 7.Creative Thinking 8.Leadership 9.Goal setting/motivation 10.Writing 11.Organizational Effectiveness 12. Computation 13. Reading
Cooperation Increased intrinsic motivation to complete the task Friendships among group members Students translate teacher-speak to student-speak Students must organize and articulate thoughts Greater achievement Higher self-esteem More time spent on-task Better attitudes toward learning
Reflection On a notecard, explain one idea about teaching or learning that was new to you today and how it may impact your teaching this semester. Why is reflection an important activity?