The cooperative learning model has potential for all grade levels. This model is also appropriate for work communities. After reading about the different strategies that this model can involve, it was easy for me to be a fan. The only part of the model that rubbed me the wrong way was found in the competitive goals. Grading on a curve does not represent the class as well as it should. As an undergrad, my sociology course was graded on a curve, which helped, but didn't help the students retain more information. Also, I am not a fan of the "sink or swim idea." Some initial barriers to the use of cooperative learning are types of content areas and class differences. By content areas, I simply mean that PE courses might not thrive with this approach. In some schools, students are still separated based on their intelligence level. Although this is not a good thing to do, classes that have students with lower learning abilities may not understand some of the concepts from activities or reach a unanimous consensus about a given topic. Those who overcome these barriers will help promote face to face interaction and enhance social skills.
This model would be great for the second graders that I work with. The Jigsaw strategy is a good strategy to help introduce this model. Students can get into groups and discuss given topics after individually completing different tasks. Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) schools thrive off of group collaboration. This strategy helps students prepare for job-like situations.
Social network sites may be a great tool that can be used to support this model. Sites like twitter and blogger are great for commenting about specific topics. VoiceThread is another great tool where students can post audio and video comments on a specific persons personal thread.
You have made some very good points. I feel like younger students are more open to this approach than older students (you mentioned using it with second graders). I think younger children are at a time in their development where they are less independent and would rather not work on their own (which is definitely not the case for many high school students).
ReplyDeleteHey Paul!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read about cooperative learning, I was concerned about the lower ability level students. One of our articles mentioned that the students of lower ability learned more while the students of higher ability had a decrease in learning. I found that surprising. I think that it is a challenge to keep all students motivated.
Hi Paul!! I agree that this type of model will work well with younger students. In fact, by introducing students to cooperative learning in the early years; they will be better prepared for cooperative learning groups in the upper grades as well was the work environment.
ReplyDeleteI often find my students in high school have never been exposed to any significant cooperative learning activities. In today's 21st century workplace, cooperative learning is imperative.
Thanks for your post!!