Lesson 13 " Cooperative Learning with the Computer"

What is Cooperative Learning?

This is learning by small groups of students who work together in common learning task. There are 5 elements of cooperative learning:

·        A common goal

·        Interdependence

·        Interaction

·        Individual accountability

·        Social skills

Therefore, not every group work is cooperative learning since students working on their worksheets physically sat around a table may be working together without these features of cooperative learning.

From several studies made on cooperative learning, in its true sense is advantageous since it:

(a)  Encourages active learning, while motivating students

(b) Increases academic performance

(c)  Promotes literacy an language skills

(d) Improves teacher effectiveness

Cooperative learning and the computer

Researchers have made studies on the learning interaction between the student and the computer. Given the opportunity to work individually or in group, the students generally wish to work in computer-based and non-computer-based activities. Psychologists think the computer fosters this positive social behaviour due to the fact that it has a display monitor-just like a television set-that is looked upon as something communal.

Components of cooperative learning

·        Assigning students to mixed-ability teams

·        Establishing positive interdependence

·        Teaching cooperative social skills

·        Insuring individual accountability, and

·        Helping groups process information

Discussion:

1.     Discuss the difference between peer competition and positive interdependence in a group. Simply said, aren’t there debates in group work?

Peer competition is the learning that happens with peers. They exchange ideas with each other. Confidence in peer competition is more exercised. In positive interdependence, there is learning within the group. Others may be shy and others may be confident enough to share their ideas.

2.     What can be done in case some members of a group do not show positive interpersonal and communication skills? Can the teacher help in this situation?

ü There are persons who are too shy to express what they want and share what they know. The teacher may help by letting them contribute one by one so that they can overcome their shyness.

3.     Do skills in listening, negotiating, compromising, punctuality, tolerance (giving others a chance to speak) part of the social skills needed in group work?

ü These things are probably the most important things in a group work. It can surely help to let the students enjoy peace while learning.

4.     How can group members ensure that each member of the group is also accountable for the group work, and not totally depended on others? In practical terms, how can the teacher grade individual students fairly in a group activity for one single output?

ü The participation of everyone in the group must be strictly observed for the teacher to know how he/she gives grade to each and to be fair for those who actively and willingly contribute to the topic. One from the group may be obligated to list all the names of contributors to each topic they take.

5.      While cooperative learning is a very good avenue for teachers to help students learn effectively, why is it not to be adopted in all classroom learning situations?

Cooperative learning should be applied often but the teacher should also have the time to discuss so that students may also learn from the teacher and not just only from the group.