Cooperative learning is a widely used strategy that involves students working in groups to complete tasks. A way to avoid lack of participation is to have group consequences or further independent steps that require focus in the group portion of the process. Cooperative learning is a reflection of social learning theory because it revolves around students collaborating to reach an answer or result. They can discuss ideas with classmates and be encouraged that their knowledge contributes to the group product--they do not always need the teacher for help. I love opportunities for students to conduct multi-media presentations for the class because their creativity can be amazing. Students learn the concepts as they work with peers to create clear (and often entertaining) methods of presenting the content. Students can even communicate with students from other states or countries, based on their area of focus, with programs like Keypals or their own student-created websites (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). Social learning theories. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. DVD (custom ed.).
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Ashlee!
ReplyDeleteI love using cooperative learning in my classroom, especially when I can incorporate technology into the assignment. It's a meaningful way to make the students more accountable for their own (and their group's) learning. The only negative aspect I see with the approach is when you have a student who doesn't do his/her portion of the work. Most times others pick up the slack; however, how do you handle it if that doesn't happen? How do you account for the learning the other students in the group missed?
Ashlee,
ReplyDeleteI have a split stance on your idea of group grades. Although I agree that students might take more responsiblity when they know that their groupmates are depending on them, there may always be a student who does not carry their weight of the assignment. Maybe you could also give the students an online survey to complete at the end of the project to rate their own work and the work of their groupmates. This way the students get to communicate how they felt about the project and you will be made aware of an issues through the group's responses. Multimedia projects are a great way for students to use technology as their source of information and develop interactive presentations. Great ideas!