Cooperative LearningClassroom Instruction that Works

Chapter 7: Cooperative Learning

Robert J. Marzano

Research & Theory on Cooperative Learning

One of the most popular instructional strategies in education

1867 W.T. HarrisSt. Louis, MOAllow for rapid student promotion in

elementary grades

Research shows that organizing students into cooperative groups yields a positive

effect on overall learning. When applying cooperative learning strategies:

* keep groups small *don’t overuse this strategy

*be systematic and consistent in your approach

Five Defining Elements

Group processing

Interpersonal and small group skills

Individual and group accountability

Face-to-face interaction

Positive interdependence

Defining ElementsPositive

Interdependence A sense of sink or swim together

Face-to-face interaction = Helping each other learn, applauding success and efforts).

Individual and Group Accountability = Each of us has to contribute to the group achieving its goals.

Interpersonal & Small Group Skills = Communication, trust, leadership, decision making, and conflict resolution.

Group Processing = Reflecting on how well the team is functioning and how to function even better.

Organizing students in cooperative

learning groups has a powerful effect on

learning, regardless of whether groups

compete with one another.

Textbox

3 Guidelines for Cooperative Learning1. Organizing groups based on ability levels

should be done sparingly.

Homogenous Grouping Vs.

Heterogeneous

2. Cooperative groups should be kept rather small in size.

3. Cooperative learning should be applied consistently and systematically, but not overused.Misused: tasks given to group are

not well structuredOverused: students not given

enough time for independent practice

Using a Variety of Criteria for Grouping Student

Ideas for grouping:

AlphaComputer numbers

ColorsDeck of cards

… in conclusionOf all classroom grouping strategies, cooperative learning may be the most flexible and powerful. As the examples in this chapter illustrate, teachers can use cooperative learning in a variety of ways in many different situations.