Learning to Work in a Cooperative Group

Jan Summers

Why Do We Have Groups? Encourages social participation of the learner

Promotes teamwork and interpersonal skills

Reduces competition

Increases retention of material

Groups Foster Social SkillsBecome active listeners

Learn to ask good questions

Give others a chance to share ideas

Passive students benefit

How Do Students Learn to Manage Conflict?Recognize conflict Identify wants Identify feelings Identify others’ wantsOffer solutionsReach agreement

Teacher’s RoleContinually monitor groups

Guide students by asking quality questions

Insure that each student is accountable

AssessmentNeeds to be measured

Students require feedback

Achieved through observation

Students self-evaluate

What Makes a Group Less Successful? Students work on their own

Interaction involves giving and checking answers

Teacher instructions are unclear

Absence of predefined student roles

What Makes a Group More Successful? Manipulatives are used

Groups have at least three members

Rewards are used, mostly for positive behavior

Teacher monitors group

Individual or group accountability

ReferencesChiu, M. (2004). Adapting teacher interventions to students’ needs

during cooperative learning: How to improve student problem solving and time on-task. American Educational Research Journal, 41, 365-400.

Emmer, E. T. & Gerwels, M.C. (2002). Cooperative learning in elementary classrooms: Teaching practices and lesson characteristics. The Elementary School Journal, 103, 75-93.

Prinu, M. (2004). Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93, 223-232.

Vermette, P., Harper, L., & Dimillo, S. (2004). Cooperative and collaborative learning with 4-8 year olds: How does research support teachers’ practice? Journal of Instructional Psychology, 31, 130.