With social learning theories, students are actively engaged in constructing artifacts and conversing with others. Collaborative and cooperative learning are key components in the social learning theory of connectivism. Cooperative learning refers to the numerous methods of grouping students. Cooperative learning takes a closer look at the potential benefits for learners. Effective cooperative learning occurs when students work together to accomplish shared goals and when positive factors are in place to support them. Students help each other learn and encourage individual team members’ success. Interpersonal and small-group skills are in place, including communication, decision making, conflict resolution, and time management. Grouping students to work collaboratively and cooperatively offers benefits for learners. Teachers who are successful at facilitating cooperative learning employ research-based strategies.
You make a very good point about building interpersonal skills and communication skills. These are going to require modeling and practice but they are skills that are going to be necessary in order for cooperative learning to be successful.Conflict resolution is a skill that is going to also require much modeling but can be applied to many different subjects and situations. Cooperative learning encompasses so many skills that are considered life skills and the students will use for many, many years to come.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that cooperative learning help students build interpersonal and communication skills. These are skills they will need now and even more in the future. I have to teach my students that it is ok to ask help from their classmate when they are struggling with something or even just for a pencil. Some students are scared to converse with students because they do not know them or they talk different or hang out with other students or prefer to keep to themselves. I try to use cooperative learning to motivate my students to share skills that they are strong in.
ReplyDeleteSmall groups do exhibit skills that students need to learn like time management. Having a job for each student in the group helps with students staying on task and learning with each other. Of course switching the role every time they group is a good idea too so that they all can experience the role. Grouping students high with low etc is also a good strategy so that they can learn from each other in their group.
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