Topic: Cooperative learning

Cooperative learning is group work where there are small groups that are used to maximize both their own and each other’s learning. (Brame & Biel 2015). Just like in most classes throughout middle school, high school, and university, you will encounter some form of a group project. This is cooperative learning and has many benefits, one of which is that others can strengthen your learning when working together to solve problems.

This form of learning can be used at all different levels to create small groups of learners and have them work through a task together. The learning method “think-pair-share” used in classrooms is one of my favourites. It allows students to think on their own, then share with a buddy that they are comfortable with, and then finally share with the whole group, where others can then see other people’s opinions. This approach is often after a teacher uses Tell and Ask and then gets the students to think for themselves similar to Do as they have to do their own thinking and reflecting, and then their sharing with both their peers and large group is Show because they are showing what their knowledge is of the topic or question (Merril 2018). Small groups are fantastic because it is less daunting for children who may not be ready to share with the whole class quite yet, but still be heard and comfortable.

Having goals is important when deciding if this learning method is a good choice for the task and information at hand. Thinking through ideas such as, who will work best with who, what conclusion I want the students to come to, and how big of a group size should they be … etc. Having these goals can contribute to the method to stay on task and get what you want the learners to get out of the form of learning.

In terms of the three learning methods from the last blog post, cooperative learning falls into the category of constructivism. Working together as a group creates new learning opportunities as people think through ideas differently and can share different opinions, causing others to think from new perspectives.

Cooperating in groups also teaches basic life skills by interacting with peers in a learning setting. I think cooperative learning is a fantastic way of involving more learning methods for students as they learn in different ways. With this being said, I believe that a number of different learning methods should be taught, not only for maximizing students learning, but allowing them to learn which method works best for them so that they can learn to the best of their abilities in the future.

Sources:

Merrill, M. D. (2018). Using the First Principles of Instruction to Make Instruction Effective, Efficient, and Engaging. In R. E. West, Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology: The Past, Present, and Future of Learning and Instructional Design Technology. EdTech Books. Retrieved from https://edtechbooks.org/lidtfoundations/using_the_first_principles_of_instruction

Brame, C.J. & Biel, R. (2015). Setting up and facilitating group work:
Using cooperative learning groups effectively. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. Retrieved from http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/setting-up-and-facilitating-group-work-using-cooperative-learning-groups-effectively/.