Cooperative Learning in the Chemistry Classroom NEACT Conference 2011

1. Components of cooperative learning

a. Positive interdependence i. Limited resources

ii. Jigsawed materials iii. Assigned tasks/roles

b. Face-to-face interaction c. Individual and group accountability d. Development of social skills & interpersonal skills e. Group processing

2. Discussion: Advantages and challenges of cooperative learning

3. Types of cooperative learning strategies a. Think-pair-share b. Simple jigsaw c. Pair tutoring sheets d. Jigsaw with expert groups e. Structured problem solving: Pairs/check; pairs/check/share f. Student games/tournaments g. student team learning

4. Develop and share your own CL lesson(s)

Positive Interdependence “sink or swim together” Tasks that can be shared:

No one group member does all the work that must be completed for the assignment; may be assigned for the entire work period, or shifted during the period

Reading Writing/ Typing Proofreading Dictionary checking Drawing/coloring Running for supplies

Measuring Timing Gluing Cutting Taping Stapling

Resources that can be shared

Limited resources—there are fewer materials than group members Pens/pencils Crayons/colored pencils Textbook Handout/ Answer sheet Ruler Paper Calculator

Periodic table Template Balance Probe technology Thermometer Clicker Model kit

Materials that can be jigsawed

Dividing up the work so that each group member does a part; no one group member has everything needed to complete the entire task

Vocabulary terms Illustrations/graphics Definitions Sections of a report Homework problems

Colored markers/crayons Resource books Lab equipment Reagents

For example, Richard Felder at NCSU jigsaws the following portions of lab reports for assigned cooperative groups: experimental design, equipment calibration and operation, data analysis, theoretical interpretation

Roles in cooperative learning Writer Director Checker Assistant Presenter Reader Time keeper Summarizer Facilitator

Reporter Observer Collector Recorder Paraphraser Runner for materials Editor Coordinator Monitor

Some roles for cooperative learning in chemistry Director Writer Presenter Checker Materials Reader Observer Recorder Cleaner Materials manager Project manager Quality control manager

Workshop-suggested roles:

References for cooperative learning

Getting Started… A very brief introduction, from Kennesaw State University http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/intech/cooperativelearning.htm Another brief overview, from the University of Minnesota http://www.ce.umn.edu/~smith/docs/CLHks.pdf

Some of the “big shots” in the field

Eliot Aronson’s site, the Jigsaw Classroom http://www.jigsaw.org/ Articles on cooperative learning by Dr. Spencer Kagan http://www.kaganonline.com/free_articles/dr_spencer_kagan/

Practical Resources Richard Felder’s page on cooperative learning, with an engineering focus http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Student-Centered.html#Publications-Coop

Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/cooperative/index.html From Arizona State University, a very thorough overview (with an emphasis on engineering) http://clte.asu.edu/active/overview.htm Some cooperative learning strategies from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga http://www.utc.edu/Administration/WalkerTeachingResourceCenter/FacultyDevelopment/CooperativeLearning/index.html 15 Common Mistakes in Using Cooperative Learning—And What to Do About Them http://tlt.suny.edu/originaldocumentation/library/cm/mistakes.htm Active Learning for the College Classroom http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/chem/chem2/Active/#motivate The Essential Elements of Cooperative Learning in the Classroom http://www.learner.org/workshops/socialstudies/pdf/session6/6.CooperativeLearning.pdf