danielle



Three Generalizations for Guiding the use of Cooperative Learning
 * 1) Organize groups based on ability levels should be done sparingly
 * 2) Cooperative groups should be kept small
 * 3) Cooperative learning should be used consistently and systematically, but not used all the time

In order to lead to enhanced learning for all students, Marzano suggests using a variety of criteria to group students. I enjoy the example of grouping students by pet, because this provides a variety of academic levels to work together to complete a task. In my opinion, this random grouping is a great tool, however, it must be used for the correct assignment. You want to be sure that it would not be the highest student doing all the work. Marzano also discusses the informal, formal, and base groups for cooperative learning. Informal groups is the type of grouping I typically use within my own classroom on a daily basis. I use this grouping for Think-Pair-Share and Turn and Talk strategies. Also, these informal groups are used for any game we play in the classroom. To select my groups, I have each student's name on a popsicle stick, and draw 2-3 at a time to select students for a cooperative learning opportunity. Formal groups are designed to ensure students have enough time to complete an assignment in a given time. Students must be accountable for group work as well as individual components to the project. The best method for this type of grouping is to provide students with a checklist or rubric to ensure they know the expectations of cooperative learning. Base groups or long-term groups are created to provide support throughout the semester. A really cool method for base grouping I heard about is for peer editing during writing time. Each student receives a clock with 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock on it. The teacher assigns one student per time on the clock for each student. For example Billy has a clock in front of him with Andy at 12, Joe at 3, Sue at 6, and John at 9. When peer editing time rolls around the teacher will say its time for your 6 o'clock appointment, and those students will meet to discuss their writing. One mistake that teachers make, is they might use cooperative learning incredible too much! Many times students value and appreciate their alone/independent time. In addition, a teacher must be incredibly careful as to who they place into groups. You want a student that is a bit shy and uncomfortable to be with students that are nurturing and helpful to that particular situation. If a teacher puts strong personalities or competitive children together, the likelyhood for arguments and frustration increases. The best advice I could give regarding cooperative learning groups is to get a feel for your classroom before you dive right into certain techniques. My first year was a nightmare, and that particular class could not handle cooperative learning, therefore, I should have limited the amount of opportunities they had. I kept on trying to do these crazy group activities when finally my mentor said to me that not every class functions at its highest when in cooperative groups. Needless to say, I determined that my particular group of students worked better independently.

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