This week we learned about the instructional strategy of cooperative learning. As I read about cooperative learning, I realized that I already implement this strategy within my classroom. The one way that cooperative learning is prevalent in my classroom is through learning centers. During these learning centers, students are placed in groups and are given specific task to work on in each center. The tasks normally align with our classroom curriculum. As far as grouping, I try to vary groups from week to week. Sometimes I group children based up their ability levels and other times I do random grouping. My students enjoy change therefore they accept any change within the classroom.
Through these cooperative learning center groups, students are socially connecting with one another. These learning centers are giving students the opportunity to interact with their peers on a different level than when outside on the playground. It is teaching students the appropriate way to interact with their classmates when working in cooperative learning groups. Through these learning centers students are becoming those MKO (more knowledgeable others) which in turn helps to foster students ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development).
From experience, I can say that my students enjoy working in centers and it teaches them great interaction skills that they may not get elsewhere. It also gives me a break from teaching and them a break from sitting still and listening therefore it's good for both parties involved. :)
Great job! I think its so important for students to work together when they are in elementary school. It gives them opportunities to learn from one another and grow from their experiences. It also teaches them about how to act properly in a social setting, which is definitely needed in today's world. I also like that you vary the groups from week to week. This way students have the opportunity to work with everyone and form relationships and gain knowledge that they otherwise might not have. I like that you group them on ability levels only sometimes. It would be good to do that for activities that some lower level students might be having trouble with. This way they can get help from the higher level students.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your post. My students are in literacy centers 4 days a week working on different activities (all aligned with our curriculum)and appropriately interacting with one another. I enjoy watching my students as they sometimes take on different roles: the leader, or the listener. It is rewarding to see a student teach one of their group members how to do something, or extend their initial thoughts on an idea.
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