Pamela M. Fowler
Cooperative learning is not a new concept for the classroom. We have been cooperatively learning since the first day we have been able to interact with others. We give some information, they give some information and together we come up with a shared goal.
In the classroom we structure our lesson competitively, where students are working against each other to attain a goal, i.e. exams. We also structure our lessons individually, where students work alone and have no interaction with other classmates, i.e. book reports, library research. This section uses both and structures the class towards cooperative learning.
Rarely do we allow our students to work cooperatively. In cooperative learning students work together toward a shared goal. Through cooperative learning students learn to work in small groups, learn the assigned material and be individually accountable for their share of the assignment.
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1. Tell them they are going to be working together for a while.
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2. Have the groups come up with a name that represents their group. Tell them that everyone must agree on the name. Learn to talk it out. Don’t bully anyone into agreeing.
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3. Handout one manilla folder to each group and the rest of the materials.
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4. Instruct the group to create a logo/insignia which represents their name as a group and the people in the group.
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*The class will already know to do this from the lesson on the class insignia presented in the Self Esteem section.
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5. Give them about 30 minutes to decide and create. Circulate the room talking to each group to either help them or to be sure they are all on track and participating.
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6. Ten or fifteen minutes prior to the class ending bring the class back together to discuss the folders. Randomly choose or have the group choose a spokesperson to show and explain what their name is and what their logo means.
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7. Encourage the class to compliment each other by applause or a few words of acceptance on their part.
From Day 31 to Day 42 the format of the class will be as follows:
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1. Warm up activity (5 minutes)
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2. Class Activity ( 15 minutes)
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3. Cooperative Learning Activity (12 minutes)
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4. Class discussion (10 minutes)
For activities refer to bibliography
Implementation
Examine the subject areas, curriculums and lessons you teach and decide where cooperative learning will be most beneficial.
Forming Groups
When you form the groups for cooperative learning, keep the groups small. You can use pair, threesomes, groups of four or five. No more than five in a group. Keep in mind that you want one low student, one high student and two middle students. Don’t forget to take their personalities into consideration. DO NOT GROUP FRIENDS TOGETHER! This defeats the purpose.
In addition put a quiet student with one who is outgoing. Opposites usually work well. They tend to take on each others traits. This develops new friendships as well.
Setting up the room
In setting up the room make sure groups are far enough from each other so no interaction amongst groups take place. If you have table, they are ideal. If not seat the desks so that the children are facing one another.
Day 30
Title: BUILDING GROUP IDENTITY
Goals
1. To improve academic performance.
2. To improve positive learning environment.
3. To develop positive self-esteem.
4. To improve thinking skills.
5. To develop positive interaction techniques.
6. To develop more positive attitude about school, subject areas and teachers.
7. To develop more positive attitude about and toward each other.
8. To improve more positive psychological adjustment.
Time period
45 minutes
Materials
1. manila folders (one per group)
2. scissors
3. construction paper
4. glue
5. pencils
6. crayons
7. markers
8. magazines
9. drawing paper
Classroom Set-up
Put desks in groups
Presentation:
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1. Explain to the groups the idea of cooperative learning as well as the goals.
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SPACE FLIGHT APPLICATION
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NAME _____ PHONE _____ DATE _____
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ADDRESS _____ TEACHER _____ GRADE _____
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DATE OF BIRTH _____ PLACE OF BIRTH _____
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There are _____ people in my family.
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In my family we have _____
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1. My closest friend is _____
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We enjoy doing _____ together
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2. The sport I like best is _____
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An actor I like best is _____
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An actress I like best is _____
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3. Two TV programs I like are _____
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4. My hobbies are _____
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5. Two magazines I like are _____
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A newspaper I like is _____
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6. The school subjects I like most are _____
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Those I do not like very much are _____
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7. When I grow up I’d like to be _____
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8. When I have free time I like to _____
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9. The two best books I’ve ever read are _____
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10. On Saturdays and Sundays I like to _____
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11. Two people I have read about and like very much are _____
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12. Check the types of books you like to read:
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___ Animal Stories
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___ Biography
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___ Fairy Tales
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___ Folklore
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___ Historical
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___ Home and Family Life
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___ Humorous
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___ Mystery
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___ Other Lands
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___ Our Country
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___ Poetry
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___ Science
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___ Make-believe
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___ True