Cooperative Learning

Cooperative Learning

Taken from Robert E. Slavin

What is Cooperative Learning?

Cooperative Learning refers to a variety of teaching methods in which students work in small groups to help one another learn academic content. Cooperative work rarely replaces teacher instructions, but rather replaces individual seat work, individual study and individual drill.

There are many reasons that Cooperative Learning is entering the mainstream of educational practice. One is the extraordinary research base supporting the use of Cooperative Learning to increase student achievement, as well as such other outcomes as improved inter group relations, acceptance of academically handicapped classmates and increased self-esteem.

The growing realization that students need to learn to think, to solve problems, and to integrate and apply knowledge and skills, and that Cooperative Learning is an excellent means to that end.

Cooperative Learning methods

Student Team Learning

Three concepts are central to all Student Team Learning methods: team rewards, individual accountability, and equal opportunities for success.

1. Student Teams-Achievement Divisions(STAD)

2. Teams-Games-Tournaments (TGT)

3. Jigsaw II

4. Team Accelerated Instructions (TAI)

5. Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC)

Typology of Cooperative Learning

1. Group Goals

2. Individual Accountability

3. Equal Opportunities for Success

4. Task Specialization

5. Team Competition

6. Adaptation to Individual Needs