Using Small Groups Effectively (Cooperative Learning)
What is Cooperative Learning?
Cooperative learning is a method for using small groups in the classroom to engage students in active learning techniques. It is a student-centered teaching method which places responsibility for learning on the students. Responsibility for creating and facilitating an optimal learning opportunity is the teacher's. (For a discussion of the distinction between cooperative and collaborative learning, see Ted Panitz’ A Definition of Collaborative vs. Cooperative Learning.
When should it be used?
- When depth of learning is more important than breadth of learning.
- When learning will be enhanced by student engagement with the material.
- Where there is time for students to learn by experimenting, application, trial and error.
- When application of specific skills or material is a useful endeavor.
Effectively using cooperative learning
There are three parts to effectively using cooperative learning groups: 1) creating effective assignments, 2) facilitating group work; 3) grading group assignments. An instructor should consider all three components before beginning the group process.
Creating effective group assignments
The task should require "group" interaction - not be able to be divided into smaller parts and done individually and then put back together with no need for the group to meet and discuss to accomplish the task.
The task should have a definite outcome and deadline. Telling groups to "discuss" this, does not tell them when they are done or give them a focus to work toward.
The group task should require them to use the knowledge/skill you want them to learn. Discussions which require them to produce a product beyond defining terms are best. Michaelson suggests projects which focus on why or how.
There must be individual and group accountability (also part of grading assignments). Often a pre-group task which requires students to be prepared in some way for the group task is helpful.
Having all groups work on the same project and then report out simultaneously (or as close to that as possible) creates another learning opportunity as they compare results with other groups
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