Cooperative learning has been around all of the sixteen years I have taught and has stood strong as other trends came and went. I have used partners and groups of four on a daily basis in my French classes, and now try to incorporate grouping in language arts. The grouping itself is crucial, as recommendations include: using ability based sparingly; using base, formal and informal grouping; and keeping the size manageable (Pitler, 139-140). I like Ms. Ortiz's rubrics included in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works for holding every participant accountable for their part in the task and letting them be the more knowledgeable other for one part. Discussing, teaching, hearing others, putting it all together validates the whole learning experience for the group as they are socially interacting to construct or solve something like a webquest or group project. On a smaller scale, breaking down long readings and using the jigsaw method Dr. Orey spoke of in the video also gives students the chance to specialize in one part and inform the others in the group. As George Siemens pointed out, with our information abundance and incredible networks, learners of today will have to work cooperatively with groups spread across the globe. Networking will be the best way to learn and continue to grow on the job.
Included in the social learning model, George Siemens spoke of the incredible tools we have now in visualization. The only interactive game I have used is to post the website for Admongo.com when we were studying propaganda. Students enjoyed jumping around and finding the questions and I even saw a few going to the site during free time on the computer. I know there is much more in this realm of virtual field trips and opportunities to connect with others using Skype, Delicious, and wikis. Some of the tools I have used for personal networking can certainly be brought in to the classroom to allow the social aspect of learning to cement the connections we make with our environment, the people in it, and our discoveries.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Cooperative learning has been around since before I started teaching and that was 20 years ago. The tools continue to change and I think that they are changing for the better. Of course, home computers were just catching on when I was a teenager, so I guess I enjoy investigating everything about them.
ReplyDeleteI have not used Facebook, Skype, or Delicious and I must admit that I have no desire to do so. The Voicethread did not thrill me either, although I can see how some teachers could utilize it in the classroom. I do use Wikis and online concept mapping with my students. They enjoy the chance to show their creativity and love to communicate with each other.
I have always used cooperative learning in my classroom. I change the groupings constantly to provide the opportunity for each student to work with all of his classmates. I have found cooperative learning to be a wonderful strategy, and it is extremely helpful for my second language students.
ReplyDelete