Cooperative learning directly relates with the Social Learning Theory because it allows students to work together by collaborating and building on prior knowledge. Social Learning/Constructivism by definition emphasizes the importance of culture and context in understanding what occurs in society and constructing knowledge based on this understanding (Derry, 1999; McMahon, 1997, as cited in Orey, 2001). When students are able to interact with their peers, it will actively engage them and enhance what they are learning.
By allowing students to work together, it eliminates competition and encourages teamwork. Students already network socially with their peers so why not incorporate technology and instruction to encourage students to use their “network” sources to help them con
nect to what they are learning and make it more meaningful. As educators, we need to use technology that students are already familiar with and use it to our advantage when “teaching.” The chart, on the right, displays activities that teenagers take part in.
By allowing students to work together, it eliminates competition and encourages teamwork. Students already network socially with their peers so why not incorporate technology and instruction to encourage students to use their “network” sources to help them con
nect to what they are learning and make it more meaningful. As educators, we need to use technology that students are already familiar with and use it to our advantage when “teaching.” The chart, on the right, displays activities that teenagers take part in.Reynard (2008) shares that given our current societal needs for making more with less, it's worth noting that learning theorists have long supported the notion that the sharing of ideas increases the outcomes of new knowledge.
When students are allowed to work collaboratively and share their creativity they are retaining more information and storing it in long-term memory. Each student can incorporate ideas that are of interest to them share with their peers for further discussion. Students are constructing artifacts that are relevant to subject matter but in a way that is meaningful to them. Cooperative learning allows for student exploration and differentiation based on student needs. Once students realize and experience the importance of social networking, they will want to be a part of it constantly because of the connections they are making in the community outside the classroom.
Reference:
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Reynard, R. (2008). Social networking: learning theory in action. The Journal. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2008/05/21/Social-Networking-Learning-Theory-in-Action.aspx?Page=1
When students are allowed to work collaboratively and share their creativity they are retaining more information and storing it in long-term memory. Each student can incorporate ideas that are of interest to them share with their peers for further discussion. Students are constructing artifacts that are relevant to subject matter but in a way that is meaningful to them. Cooperative learning allows for student exploration and differentiation based on student needs. Once students realize and experience the importance of social networking, they will want to be a part of it constantly because of the connections they are making in the community outside the classroom.
Reference:
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Reynard, R. (2008). Social networking: learning theory in action. The Journal. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2008/05/21/Social-Networking-Learning-Theory-in-Action.aspx?Page=1
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Great idea about eliminating competition and encouraging team work, I did not even think of that aspect. Some students like a healthy competition and others feel intimidated by it. And yes I agree, students seem to have a knack for social networking, even being so young!!
ReplyDeleteWe have learned going through this program that education has usually been 15-20 years behind the times. Hopefully this is not the case today because technology is expanding so fast that if we cannot catch up, the students may lose interest for good. I know there are many teachers who refuse to use technology in their daily lessons and it is a disservice to our youth. Working collaboratively, like you mentioned, will prepare them for their futures.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree that cooperative learning eliminates competition, I think that at times competition is important. When I see students working in cooperative learning groups at the middle school level, I see stronger personalities who care about a ‘grade’ take over for students who do not do their part. How do we teach our students how to work in a cooperative group without making students who do the work suffer?
ReplyDeleteErin,
ReplyDeleteI think to better help guide students to work collaboratively and that each student has their own responsibility to the group, we need to instill that in them at an early age. I can see where it would be more of a problem at the secondary level than what I experience in elementary school.
I also think it is important for students to understand what is expected through the use of a rubric so they realize that their grade is not solely based on what the group completes. They will also receive an individual grade based on the contribution they make to their group project.
I also think it is important for students to earn an individual grade as well as a grade for the project completed by the group. It is very difficult to teach good group-working skills. Even as adults, group projects can result in unequal contributions. I try to have students reflect on their group experiences after completing a project. I ask them to identify things that went well and things that did not, as well as ways to improve their experience. Since I often have students working together in labs, I don't always have the time to complete this step, but I have found that students improve their cooperative skills when I do.
ReplyDelete