Cooperative+Learning+Strategies

= ​ In this section, I hope to include a number of strategies and ideas that promote strong, synergized cooperative learning strategies in a formal classroom setting.=

If you would, please include any personal thoughts, articles, or web-based documents that support (or detract) from the use of cooperative learning. Remember, not all students will respond to group learning. One particular problem that comes to mind is that some students may take advantage of cooperative learning by NOT participating, and thus leaving the rest of the group to deal with a problem themselves. As group projects are usually graded collectively within the group, this student would benefit while doing no real work.

Anything you have to offer, please list below! :)

We used this lot in one of my classes! This is where the student thinks about the question that the teacher has asked, Pair in to group to discuss their answers then share it with the class! I think this is a great way to start the use of cooperative learning because it is very structured! You give them the question to think about, you can either pair them into groups or allow them to do it themselves (you know your class!), and you can set the amount time before they have to answer! You could even do this at the end of every class period and have the answer a question based on the lecture you have just given! This will ensure that they listen to you lessons or lecture everyday! (cyoungedm510)
 * 1.) Think-Pair-Share **

This is a grouping strategy that calls for frequently rearranging groups. This allows all students to work with one another. This helps students develop great communication skills and skills needed to work with others. vlong
 * 2.) Jigsaw Grouping**

I use this when grouping my students so each person will have to participate. Each person of the group is given a particular job to contribute to the final product. For example, If the students are asked to make a t-chart to categorize the characters in a passage into two groups, one being encouraging/positive characters and the other being negative/discouraging characters. Then, they would have to give an example from the story of why they put them into that category. If you had a group of 4 students the group would be broken into the following jobs: a) reader- This student reads the passage aloud. b) writer- This student is the student with the marker and writes on the chart. c) discusion- This student facilitates the discussion of why the characters should be put under each category. d) monitor- This student makes sure the group stays on task. tmcmahon **
 * 3.) Jobs

4.) Student Grading I have the students grade each other on their effort/contribution to the group. That way if someone is not pulling his/her weight, then the group has a method of punishment. crider

Students who do not like to work in groups: I put them all in one group. Then if they all want to do all aspects of the project they can or they can 1st hand discover the benefit of working "together." (I will also do this with students that I find do not like to do any work) - crider

I have found that discussion is a great motivator for cooperating. This works well with reviewing for a test. Have each student bring up a topic from the review material and start a discussion. At least 3 people have to respond for it to be considered a successful discussion. Sometimes the topics stray, but just pull them back and go forward. The kids really like this one. crider

For this you would split your class into to teams. Then the teams would split into pairs. The pairs would ask each other clarifying questions about the lesson or activities. Then they will get back into teams and share their response. This is a great way for you student to work together while staying on task! It also helps them work on interview skills. (cyoungedm510)
 * 5.) Three-Step Interview **

6. Around the Room Chart Recording Students have already read a passage as a class. The teacher hangs charts around the room of either characters, parts of the story, etc. Students rotate in groups around the room and add to the charts. They are not allowed to repeat anything that is already on the chart. This causes the groups to work together to discuss and agree on new ideas or facts for the charts. After rotating they will share. -tmcmahon

7. The following link has some great strategies and ideas for collaborative groups. It includes how to set up groups, benefits of group work, and other great information about working in groups. -tmcmahon [|collaborative group ideas]

8.) ** Review **  This looks like a great idea for even 1st and 2nd grades! You stop you lesson or reading and have the student break into groups and discus what the lesson or reading is on. You can either do this at the end or the lesson or a different time during the lesson! It sounds like a great way to help students review over material. (cyoungedm510)

9.) Here is a great link I found. (vlong) []

10.) It is very important to have a plan ready to deal with dysfunctional teams during cooperative learning. vlong