Cooperative Learning

1. Cooperative Learning Structures that Support Reading, Writing, and Thinking National-Louis University SEC 524 Spring 2010

2. Objectives for this class … 1 Learn eight Cooperative Learning strategies by experiencing them 2 Understand the key elements of CL and know why and how CL works Design large-group and small-group CL strategies to meet your learning objectives for all levels of instruction 3

3. Designing good lessons leads to student achievement … Instructional Strategies Curriculum Design Management Techniques

4. What is Cooperative Learning? An approach to classroom instruction that employs small group as well as large group collaboration among students to achieve the dual goals of academic achievement and social skill development.

5. Key Elements … Team Formation Structures & Structuring Positive Interdependence Social Skill Development Individual Accountability

6. William Glasser: “We learn …” 10% … of what we read 20% … of what we hear 30% … of what we see 50% … of what we see and hear 70% … of what we discuss with others 80% … of what we experience personally 95% … of what we teach others

7. Inside/Outside Circles 1. Students count off and form 2 concentric circles. • 2. Teacher explains the activity and students participate. • 3. Teacher interrupts the activity and directs students to move to a new position (“Inside circle – three to the left, for example”) 4. Teacher re-direct movement of either the inside or the outside circle for three to four times, giving brief directions for the task before students participate. 5. Teacher questions students as a large group to check for comprehension of information exchanged.

8. Values Line Up 1. Teacher gives a statement based on personal value. • 2. Students line up according to their agreement or disagreement with the statement. • 3. Teacher cuts the line and slides students to their speaking positions. 4. Teacher and students process the activity.

9. Chronological Line Up 1. Teacher calls for students to retell portions of a story or process by memory. 2. Students volunteer to come to the front of the classroom and retell information. 3. Teacher calls students’ attention to gaps in the sequence and encourages additional students to fill them in.

10. Let’s build it together…

11. Teams and Team Formation 1 Heterogeneous 2 Random 3 Interest 4 Homogeneous

12. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

13. Round Table 1. Students get into groups of four and number off. • 2. Teacher gives directions (one piece of paper and one pencil per group). 3. Teacher describes the task. 4. The paper and pencil rotate around the group, each person providing one piece of information and sending the paper and pencil on to the next team member. 5. Teacher calls ‘time’ and elicits various responses from group members.

14. Numbered Heads Together 1. Students get into groups of four and number off. • 2. Teacher asks a question. 3. Students get their heads together and collaborate. 4. Teacher calls out a number and students with that number give the requested information. 5. Teacher selects students to share information.

15. Three Step Interview 1. Students pair up and discuss according to the teacher’s directions. • 2. Students ‘interview’ partners. • Groups of four convene; each partner tells the newcomer pair what has been shared by the partner in conversation.

16. Four Corners 1. Teacher announces the choice options and directs students to one of four corners. • 2. Students make mental choice, then move to their selected corners. • Students pair up to discuss and process information as directed.