Cooperative Learning for Meaningful Learning

Yael Sharan

When does it make sense to study with another person?

An open-ended question No prescribed answer or solution Skill building

What is Cooperative Learning?

Small groups of 3 or 4 Helping one another Sharing materials Sharing ideas Planning how to work together

A Cooperative Task or Learning Activity

Specific contributions &/or roles Mutual help Each one accountable Clear evaluation criteria

Cooperative Learning Methods

Teams-Games-Tournaments - TGT Student Teams Achievement Divisions - STAD Cooperative Structures Learning Together Jigsaw Complex Instruction Group Investigation Constructive Controversy

How Cooperative Learning Methods &

Models Differ• Mastery and motivation

STAD, TGT, Jigsaw• Social skills and interpersonal communication

Learning Together Structural Approach

• In-depth intellectual inquiry, intrinsic motivation and equal status interactionComplex Instruction, Group Investigation

What CL methods and models have in

common: Learning activities suitable for group work Student interaction focused on task

Cooperative behavior

Positive interdependence Individual accountability

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How does CL affect teachers?

Move from transmission approach to…

•Transaction

•Transformation

Before You Choose,Ask Yourself About:

Group size Teacher's role Students' role Time Rewards

Main aims Students' age The curriculum Preparation Forming groups

What Causes CL to Spread Around the

World?

Diverse theories Research support Multiple methods, models,

procedures Teacher education School-wide change