I really enjoyed reading about cooperative learning this week. It is something I use quite a bit in all subjects. Whether it be literature circles, science labs, or problem solving in math - my students enjoy taking roles in their groups and working together for a common goal. Establishing roles in a group is something that should be taught and practiced in the beginning of the year. If time isn't spent covering proper group etiquette, groups can be one-sided where only a few do the bulk of the work. Another important part of cooperative learning is discussing problem-solving skills with the students. As a second grade teacher, many of my students come into the classroom without the proper skills to diffuse conflict on their own. Many of my students resort to telling on one another. The great thing about cooperative learning is students learn to problem-solve on their own (especially when it comes to settling conflict in a group). To teach my students the importance of group etiquette, we assign roles for each member. I took this idea from my literature circles and applied them to other subjects. When students know what they are expected to contribute, the groups run smoothly and they make the most of their time together.
When it comes to integrating technology with cooperative learning, my sources are limited. I so very much would love to start blogging but my school has prohibited the use of them for security reasons. Most networking sites are blocked as well. The most integrating we do for cooperative learning is when students use the computer to create an artifact of the knowledge they learned as a group. From the websites mentioned in our book, I really liked ePals. Connecting with classes all over the world sounds like an interesting idea. Anyone out there in the same boat? What are some of your suggestions for teachers with limited access to networking sites?
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Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post. I love the fact that you feel when students work together there becomes a great benefit. Expectations are huge in a group setting. I think the way that you have focused on making sure students know what is needed from them in groups, gives you a solid structure for success.
Jeroud,
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading my post. Setting those expectations and talking through potential scenarios that might occur while in a group at the beginning of the year is a great way to get students thinking as a group member. We do this a lot in second grade. I have a lot of "what if..." questions and the students think about the best way to solve those problems. That way, if they occur while in the group, they know how to handle them.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI know what it's like to feel like you don't have the support technologically. My school is pretty good. We just opened a computer lab last year and all the classrooms now have SMARTBoards. Having said that, I feel like every time we take one step forward, the world around us takes three and we never come close to catching up. I guess we just need to be creative then. My thought is that if I can just teach the students a comfort level with technological tools then they'll be more willing to jump right in when they do have the tools available to them and the learning curve will be greatly reduces. At least, that's my hope.
Tonya
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI like the way that you teach your students group etiquette! I believe that that is very important. It is also something that they can carry with them throughout their school years.
We are blocked from many sites as well. Have you thought about having your students blog from home? I too am learning alongside my students to be comfortable with the technological tools that are now available to us. I think it's great that they are learning at such a young age. They will have a great advantage. Great job!