What is Cooperative Learning?

We search on cooperative learning is overwhelmingly positive, and the cooperative approaches are appropriate for all curriculum areas. The more complex the outcomes (higher-order processing of information, problem solving, social skills and attitudes), the greater are the effects. “ Bruce Joyce

What is Cooperative Learning?
Cooperative learning may be broadly defined as any classroom learning situation in which students of all levels of performance work together in structured groups toward a shared or common goal. According to Johnson, Johnson and Holubc, (1994): "Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups through which students work together to maximize their own and each others learning. " In classrooms where collaboration is practiced, students pursue learning in groups of varying size: negotiating, initiating, planning and evaluating together. Rather than working as individuals in competition with every other individual in the classroom, students are given the responsibility of creating a learning community where all students Participate in significant and meaningful ways. Cooperative learning requires that students work together to achieve goals which they could not achieve individually.

How do students benefit from working in Cooperative Learning?
Students that are involved in cooperative learning achieve many social and academic benefits. Cooperative classrooms are classes where students group together to accomplish significant cooperative tasks. They are classrooms where students are likely to attain higher levels of achievement, to increase time on task, to build cross-ethnic friendships, to experience enhanced self-esteem, to build life-long interaction and communication skills, and to master the habits of mind (critical, creative and self-regulated) needed to function as productive members of society.

Why use Cooperative Learning?
Teachers who employ cooperative learning methods promote learning because these collaborative experiences engage students in an interactive approach to processing information, resulting in greater retention of subject matter, improved attitudes toward learning, and enhanced interpersonal relations among group members.

What is the teacher's role?
Initially, the teacher carefully designs meaningful tasks that require active participation of each student in the group toward a common end. At the beginning of a cooperative lesson, the teacher's role, often in cooperation with the class, is that of "task setter." As groups work on tasks, the teacher acts as a facilitator/coach moving from group to group to monitor the learning process. The teacher also provides students with on-going feedback and assessment of the group's progress.

How many different types of Cooperative Learning models are there?
A variety of formal cooperative learning models have been developed, such as JIG-SAW, CO-OP, LEARNING TOGETHER, and GROUP INVESTIGATION. In addition, a number of specific cooperative learning designs, such as think-pair-share, peer response groups for writing, paired problem solving for
mathematics, reciprocal teaching in reading, group experiments in science, and discussion circles in social studies have been successfully applied in the classroom. The selection of a particular model or design is influenced by the desired outcomes for instruction, the subject area, and the social skills of the students.

source :http://www.pgcps.org