1. COOPERATIVE LEARNING IN EFL CLASSROOM
Using Group Work to Promote Language Learning and Motivation
Università degli Studi di Udine
SSIS 2007/2008
Report A046
Silvia Perissinotto

2. Structure Introduction
Cooperative Learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
How can we use group work to improve students’ motivation and creativity?
Cooperative Learning: My experience as a trainee
Conclusion
Silvia Perissinotto

3. Cooperative Learning.Advantages
More time for students’ oral production
Students get used to helping and learning from each others
Greater involvement of each member of the class
Less confident students can practice language without feeling teacher’s pressure
Variety adds spice to the classroom
Silvia Perissinotto

4. Cooperative Learning.Disadvantages
Group work can lose its meaning if handled in an automatic way
Risk of unbalanced division of roles
Possible conflicts within the groups
Risk of discipline problems
Not integrated students or shy students do not feel at ease in the group
Silvia Perissinotto

5. How can we use Group Work to Improve Motivation and Creativity?
Leave students free to choose the topic
Use authentic materials (ex newspaper articles)
Use modern technologies (ex computer, CD player)
Divide the activities according to students’ attitudes and interests
Silvia Perissinotto

6. Cooperative Learning. My Experience
At School
At SSIS
Silvia Perissinotto

7. Conclusions
Considerations on Theory and Practice. The Outcomes of My Cooperative Learning Experience.
Silvia Perissinotto