Cooperative Learning and Cooperative Working Developing a Learning Culture

1. Cooperative Learning and Cooperative WorkingDeveloping a Learning Culture Dr Sue Jones e-mail: sue.a_jones@lineone.net

2. Developing a Learning Culture The aim of the book is to consider: • The business case for learning • The importance of a cooperative (collaborative) working culture • Case studies giving evidence for (1) and (2) • A transferable practical method for teachers, trainers and managers

3. Marks and Spencer 1980s – Britain’s best loved and best managed clothes retailer Rock solid reputation for high quality and service Intense customer loyalty 1988 – new chief executive (ce), also chairman from 1991 Key strategy was controlling costs Branch managers concerned about low staffing levels 1997/9 – profits exceeded £1 billion – biggest retailer in Europe Hands-on ce – influenced every aspect of the business Branch managers concerned about HO policy decisions Many directors reluctant to criticise the ce to his face Senior managers did not feedback branch managers anxieties Nov. 1998 – 23% drop in profits Internal boardroom feuding 1999 – ce leaves Key senior staff continued to leave “They are certainly not listening to staff who are very unhappy.” (Store manager) Talk of store closures, job losses, and takeover Trust of customers and shareholders lost “He was impatient. The chairman of any co .. they are all of the same autocratic nature” Source: The Money Programme, BBC, 1 Nov.2000 Anderton ParkPrimary School 1984 – school buildings condemned as “dirty” and “smelly” by inspectors 1989 – new head teacher (ht) Obtained funding from European Union, etc.. English a second language for most pupils – bilingual needed Ht recruited 13 teaching assistants from the local community Ht initiated degree course to give mothers an opportunity to become bilingual teachers A wide range of facilities include: Mother and toddler group. Pre-school play-group. Nursery school. Infants and junior. Crèche facilities. Degree course An intricate network of people run the school School caretaker manages a budget of £15,000. “He is one of the best. We appreciate what he can do and let him get on with it.” (ht) Inspector comments “Well-disciplined children. No ill behaviour. Very much part of the community. Interplay between all the categories of people involved in the school. Everybody enjoyed the school.” “We quote regularly: ‘we all have to work together and look after one another.” (ht) Source: .Degrees of schooling’, The Guardian, Jan.4, 2000. ‘A True Community School’, The Birmingham Post, Nov.1999 sue.a_jones@lineone.net

4. Cooperative Culture Continuous cost-free workplace learning Cost-effective training Hierarchical Culture Little to no workplace learning Wasteful training How to Avoid Wasteful Training