Cooperative Learning By: Kristen Nash

1. Cooperative LearningBy: Kristen Nash Who teaches, learns. Two heads are better than one.  Anonymous John Amos Comenius

2. Tell me and I’ll listen. Show me and I’ll watch. Involve me and I’ll learn.-Teton Lakota Native Americans

3. Overview of the Literature • In the 1930s and 1940s, psychologist and philosophers influenced the cooperative learning theory that we practice today. The literature obtained determines the effectiveness of cooperative learning versus individualistic learning. The research focuses on achievement in math, science, and several other areas as well. In most cases, the results indicate that a hands-on cooperative learning approach is typically more effective than the individualistic learning style.

4. Support of Cooperative Learning • Research has indicated that cooperative learning can produce positive effects on academic achievement. • There is a positive interrelation that takes place when group members are working together for the success of the entire group. • A community of support and encouragement is built.

5. Opposition of Cooperative Learning • Social conflict among students could take place during cooperative learning. • Peer pressure could occur. • Student work may result in group grades without individual accountability • Failure to hold individual student accountable

6. My Position Concerning Cooperative Learning • As a classroom teacher, I feel that when students are allowed to collaborate and work together, more learning seems to take place. I believe that it does take practice, a lot of planning, and a good bit of patience in order for cooperative learning to be effective. I think that when students are allowed to work together, they develop a sense of responsibility and they learn to respect and appreciate each other. I absolutely love to see cooperative learning taking place in my third grade classroom.

7. My Prediction of the Future of Cooperative Learning • I believe that in the future, cooperative learning will be critical. I think that teachers will rely more on cooperative learning on a daily basis. I think that students will continue to work together and will become better learners through the cooperative learning strategy.

8. Why Support My Position? • Throughout the research that I have looked at, the results all indicate that through the use of cooperative learning, achievement is improved. Through the use of cooperative learning in the classroom, teachers will still be responsible for making sure the material is taught, but through this learning strategy, a lot of the pressure could possibly be taken off of the teacher. The students could become more responsible for their own learning.

9. References • Bilgin, I,, (2006). The effects of hands-on activities incorporating a cooperative learning approach on eighth grade students’ science process skills and attitudes towards science. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 1 (9), p. 27-37. • Cohen, E.,G., Brody, C.M., & Shevin, M.S., (2004). Teaching Cooperative Learning: The Challenge for Teacher Education, p. 66-68. • Gillies, R.M., & Boyle, M., (2005). Teachers’ scaffolding behaviours during cooperative learning. Asia Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 33 (3), p. 243-259. • Hsiung, C.M., (2012). The effectiveness of cooperative learning. Journal of Engineering Education, 101 ()1), p. 119-137. • Jones, L.W. & Caston, M.C., (2003). Cooperative learning on academic achievement in elementary African American males. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 31 (4), p. 280- 283. • Ransdell, M., (2003). Using cooperative learning in elementary science classrooms. The Professional Educator, 26 (1), p. 23-35. • Tarim, K., (2009). The effects of cooperative learning on preschoolers’ mathematics problem- solving ability. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 72,p. 325-340. • Thompson, K.J., Switky, B., Gilinsky, A., (2012). Impromptu presentations: Boosting student learning and engagement through spontaneous collaboration. Journal of Education for Business, 87, p. 14- 21. • Vaughan, W. (2002). Effects of cooperative learning on achievement and attitude among students of color. The Journal of Educational Research, 95 (96), p. 359-363. • Yamarik, S., (2007). Does cooperative learning improve student learning outcomes? Journal of Economic Education, p. 259-277. • Zakaria, E., Solfitri, T., Daud, Y., & Abidin, Z.Z., (2012). Effect of cooperative learning on secondary school students’ mathematics achievements. Creative Education, 4 (2), p. 98- 100.

10. Teaching is the highest form of understanding- Aristotle