Cooperative Learning
Let's Talk About Cooperative Learning.
It builds teamwork skills (the ability
to work well with others) and makes the
Learning Experience less competitive
and less stressful. It also
fulfills human social needs that all students
and all people have, throughout the days.
On the first day of school, I would organize
all classes into teams of 3 to 7 students
with team leaders. And I would have a class leader
who would act as the team leaders´ leader
and as the class spokesperson and liaison
with the teacher.
I would endeavor to ensure that the teams
are balanced for academic ability with the best
and the poorest academic performers spread out
among the teams. This will keep academic games
competitive and fun.
For special learning activities, we can do
just the opposite. Group the strongest academic
performers together and the least strong together.
Then we can give each academic level the
individualized attention and support they
need and deserve!
The teams or groups would be responsible
for handling all small issues themselves
(forgot my pencil, paper, computer, etc.).
Team leaders could be given permission to roam
the class at will to help their group and could be
responsible for managing hall passes for their group
according to a pre-approved plan.
This would give the teacher control over
student movement and roaming through the class
(under the pretext of needing to sharpen a
pencil, for example), and keep quarreling
students away from each other.
Leaders can be chosen by the teacher or
by students or both, giving both
teacher and students ownership and control
of the process. Thus, popular students who work
cooperatively with the teacher will be setting the
tone and managing the class.
By giving the students "ownership" of classroom
management, they are not likely to engage in the
perennial game of trying to beat the teacher at the
behavior game by behaving poorly.
Behavior issues can be managed
by getting the opinions of group leaders
concerning students' behavior.
The leaders (who will know the students in their team
very well on a personal basis) can advise the teacher
and work with the students.
Groups could be permanent for the entire year
or changed periodically. This would ensure
either stability or variety according to teacher
and class needs and preferences. Groups could
stick together for projects or form their own
ad hoc groups if they prefer to do their project
with special friends.
However, in general, by making the groups
do activities together, it can prevent the hurt
that sometimes results when students
are left out.
And of course having ready-made groups
makes it easier to organize academic and
behavior games and contests with appropriate rewards.
That's fun for everyone, students and teachers!