Cooperative Learning Structures

Cooperative Learning Research

Name:

Answer these questions. For each question, give at least three pieces of information being sure to reference your sources.

1. What are cooperative learning structures? (10 points)

Cooperative learning is a strategy whereby students with different levels of abilities to form teams, and they are given the variety of activities during learning to enhance their understanding of the unit or subject of the study. Cooperative learning structures are organized in different styles and methods one the styles being think-pair-share. Whereby students are given some problems or questions and then let them ponder upon it quietly by thinking for possible solutions to the problem. Then they are given a chance to discuss their answers with their fellow students sitting nearby. Time is usually limited to one or two minutes which is just enough for pair exchange. Then they share their discussion to the whole class.

2. What does research say about cooperative learning? (10 points)

Pair check is where students are paired, and they coach one another on text problem or a worksheet, and they check on the accuracy and on completeness time limited two minutes. Another style is three step interview, the pairing of students then one of the partners interviews the other on a specific topic then partners change roles after every three minutes. The pair finally combines to form a group only at least four individuals. Each member then introduces each other to the group, and they share the information they had from their primary interviews this method promotes active listening. Student teams achievement divisions. When a lecture is done, demonstration, video, and discussion of a given text of a chapter, groups of four or three will get a worksheet to discuss and finish.

3. What are the goals and the benefits for teaching students cooperative learning structures? (15 points)

Research was conducted on a comparison between tradition lectures or independent style with cooperative learning structures and result showed that cooperative structures lead to higher achievement than traditional lectures styles, and it was consistent with previous research studies. The result proved that cooperative learning is efficient for students with different levels and abilities of learning disabilities, mildly mentally impaired, attention deficit, and student who were with disabilities or special in groups they proved to be successful than their counterparts. And including students with disabilities in a group foster rise in social interaction and acceptance.

4. Fill in the chart below with three structures for each area you think could be used in your future classroom. With the name of each structure, give brief directions on how to do that structure. You will have nine different cooperative learning structures. Be sure to reference the source as to where you found the structures you are using. (65 points)

Speaking	Listening	Writing
1-Talking chips- it helps in equal participation in the conversation. Members are given equal chips which they toss up whenever one want to talk.	1-10-2 give information in ten minutes, pause for two, and student to give a solution to the problem in the two minutes.	1- Co-op card- every partner prepare flashcards with problems, on front page and answers on the back. Then they question each other.
2-Number heads-every member pose question for thought, then allow for discussion then one member stand to represent the group.	2- Think-aloud-pair-problem solving. Partner asks question, and the other one listen and then answers as he is encouraged	2- Send a problem each member from questions on the flashcards. Then group agree on answers.
3- Constructive controversy-group of four are given the controversial side of an issue, they discuss it exhaustively.	Jigsaw-each member is assigned Mino topics then they come together, and each member explains his findings.	Circle of knowledge- members in the group of three brainstorms on a topic as members, write down in turns until ideas are over.