COOPERATIVE LEARNING

Cooperative learning has proven and shown great success in higher-level thinking and reasoning.  Studies have shown higher test scores then traditional classes.  Students tend to have a deeper understanding of the material.  Students are more active in the learning process and are more personally engaged in what they are learning.

Cooperative learning involves 5 key steps:

1.   Pre-Instructional Planning

·      Prior planning allows you to decide what cooperative technique should be used and to plan for effective group work.

2.   Introduce the Activity to Students

·      Students need to be given directions and the criteria expected in order them to be successful.  Time limits need to be setup and time allotted for questions.

3.   Monitor and Intervene

·      During this time you circulate the room and observe the students working together in groups.  Give immediate praise and feedback and offer help when needed.

4.   Assessment

·      Some assessment is done during the activity informally.  An additional assessment should be done when the activity is done by the instructor and the group.

5.   Process

·      This is where the groups rate their performance and how they can improve for the next time.