StephanieM



The type of classroom that involves cooperative learning would have to entail a few key components in order for it to be successful and lead to enhanced learning for all students. Research states that groups of students who are in the mid to high range of ability level do fine together in cooperative groups. Whereas, students with low ability levels seem to do worse than their peers when in a cooperative group setting. Therefore, plenty of thought should go into grouping individual students. Learning is also likely to be enhanced if the groups remain small. 3 to 4 students is the ideal amount. As stated in the text, cooperative earning should be consistent but not overused. The text suggests once per week. In my personal experience with cooperative learning, groups should be responsible for creating their own team name and keep track of team points. In my opinion, this promotes team unity and friendly competition within the classroom. At times, cooperative learning may actuall interfere with students’ learning. As stated in the text, low performing students do not do well in cooperative learning groups. In sixth grade, students are involved in the Reading Edge program. This program tests students and then places them in a classroom based on grade level reading. Because of my background in special education, I usually get the 6th grade students who are reading on a 1st to 3rd grade level. The program that we use is based on cooperative learning. The students rarely get time to complete work on their own and are constantly having to work with their group members. The biggest problem that I am faced with is when it is time to sidcuss questions and work in small groups; none of my students are able to. They all need wither direct instruction or 1:1 assistance. Cooperative learning can be beneficial if used appropriately and with the right audience. However, to force it on struggling students who have not yet grasped a concept makes it very difficult and frustrating for both the learner and the teacher. Personally, I love cooperative learning. Though, it has to be done in the correct setting.



For more information regarding cooperative learning go to [|A Guide to Cooperative Learning]