Cooperative/Collaborative Learning

1. Cooperative/CollaborativeLearning An Instructional technique in which learning activities are specifically designed for small interactive groups Collaborative Learning Techniques – A Handbook for College Faculty – Barkley, Cross & Major, Jossey-Bass Publishing (2005)

2. Features of Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Intentional Design • Not just group work • Activities intentionally structured by the teacher

3. Features of Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Co-laboring • All group members must be engaged in active work towards the stated goal • All students should contribute more-or-less equally

4. Features of Cooperative/Collaborative Learning Meaningful Learning Should Occur • Students must increase knowledge or deepen their understanding of course content • The group task should be structured by the teacher to accomplish the learning objectives of the course

5. Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Positive Interdependence • Individual success is linked to the success of the group • Students become motivated to help each other achieve group goals

6. Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Supportive Interaction • Students help and support each other • Sharing of resources • Encouraging each other

7. Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Group and Individual Accountability • Group is held responsible for achieving its goals • Each member is held responsible for contributing their fair share • Each student is individually assessed

8. Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Development of Teamwork Skills • The teacher must teach teamwork skills • Increases interpersonal skills • Increases teamwork skills

9. Characteristics of Effective Learning Groups Group Processing • Individuals should evaluate their group’s productivity • Individuals and the group should decide what is working and what needs to be changed

10. Implementing Cooperative/CollaborativeLearning Orienting Students to Cooperative/Collaborative Learning • Students must shift attitudes • Introductions & icebreakers • Course policies & procedures • Establishing group work ground rules

11. Implementing Cooperative/CollaborativeLearning Forming Groups • Group Types – informal, formal or base • Size – normally 2 -6 • Homogeneous or heterogeneous grouping • Method for selecting group members • Student roles • Changing group members

12. Implementing Cooperative/CollaborativeLearning Structuring the Learning Activity • Relevant and Integral to course objectives • Match task to students’ abilities and skills • Promote interdependence • Try to ensure individual accountability • Plan for evaluation

13. Implementing Cooperative/CollaborativeLearning Facilitating Student Cooperation • Introduce the activity • Observe and interact with groups • Address problems but let the group handle this as much as possible • Reporting techniques • Help groups achieve closure

14. Implementing Cooperative/CollaborativeLearning Evaluating & Grading the Results • What to evaluate • Evaluate for formative or summative purposes • Who evaluates > Instructor evaluation > Student self-evaluation > Peer evaluation > Group evaluation