Cooperative learning as a method to develop

democracy and health in a pedagogical institution

Evelina Rustem International Class

Instructors: Jytte Juul Jensen Brian Lassen

“Experience is the teacher of all

things”(Iulius Caesar)

•I chose this theme because after my participation at Folk School in

placement and reading some books about cooperative learning, I

realized the importance of the connection between health and

democracy.

• I discovered the willing of students to take part in this type of activities more than in those which implies

competition.

• And not to forget about the benefits on the social development.

Why “Cooperative

Learning”

What is cooperative

learning?

“Cooperative learning is a method of instruction that has

students together in groups, usually with the goal of

completing a task.”(Johnson&Johnson 1984)

Examples: •Organizing a flash-mob;•Constructing pyramids;•Dance activities;• Body expression;•Different tasks.

Benefits of using

cooperative learning: Students who are involved in this type of activity develop

the follow skills:• Physical fitness: learning

skills;• Based on problem solving;• Psychical balance: joy,

motivation, cognitive skills;

• Social skills: communication, using praises; learning values, ethics, positive relationship;

Role of the teacher

and his qualities: “Teacher- the one who guide the didactic activity, learning process with a group of 20-25

students”(Stanescu, 2000,p.45)

Qualities: • Patience;• Confidence;

• True compasion for students;• Understanding;

• The ability to explain in different way;• Dedication;• Support;

• Pride in student’s accomplishments

Teacher should guide the

activity from classroom in

purpose that all goals will be

achieved: choosing the best methods

for a good development of

students.

What is

feedback? “Feedback is a process in which the effect or output

of an action is returned (fed-back) to modify the

next action.”

“It is a response to a stimuli only if it brings about a change in the recipient’s behavior. “

(www.bussinessdictionary.com)

Giving the feedback and keep the students

motivated makes the difference between a good teacher and a

regular one.

The importance of

feedback

In my opinion, as a teacher, giving the feedback when

working with students means the decision between the

success or failure.

• I see it like a way to improve the process and also to

motivate people, because is part of the ongoing

assessment.

Feedback can be at the end of a lesson, like a discussion;

And also can be seen as praise or correction during the lesson.

Democracy at

“hojskolen”The Danish Folk School which

was set up by Grundvig. is organized like a democratic place, where students come and choose to take part at

activities that helps them to find their goal in life.

Participating at sports activities, they are learning social skills that helps them

to become democratic citizens.

The way they start a flash-mob is based on democracy and cooperation. They should come with ideas for the choreography and to work in

teams.

•Assumption of the responsibilities for their

acts;• Being used with

cooperation with each other;

• Freedom of expression and organization;

•Moral/ Ethics values;• Tolerance, generosity;•Unity, friendship;

• Respect for the others;• Spirit of fairness.

What are the

achievements in

the democracy field?

At the team meetings they should prepare

something to add to the schedule

And then the only thing that remains is to get

agreement in “assembly” and to announce the

others

Democracy in

practice

Influence of

sports on health

behavior

Health- “A state of complete physical, mental social well-

being and not merely the absence of disease or

infirmity.”(WHO, 1946)

Being involved in sports will bring them a healthy lifestyle like

hobbies and habits.

Well-being “A good or satisfactory condition of existence, a state

characterized by health, happiness, prosperity.” (Koch,

2000)Dimensions:

• Self-acceptance;•Positive relations with others;

• autonomy;• Purpose in life;• Personal growth.

Conclusions: •After observing and analysing the activity developed in a

Folk School I can say that the goal itself guide the

individuals through a healthy life. And the well-being of

each person guide to a welfare state.

• Participate at activities that help the students to develop

social skills and to absorb values will give social citizens.

Thank you!