Cooperative Learning


Cooperative Learning provides an opportunity for children to interact with each other about things that are relevant to their preparation for their adult lives in the business world. Learning to have meaningful dialogue and being able to say exactly what you mean, is practiced and promoted with this type of learning environment.

The children learn to work with one another in diplomatic, tactful and honest ways. They learn from each other and have wonderful opportunities to experience synergy and creative thoughts. The children who work in cooperative groups take an active role in their own learning.

All lessons should be integrated, incorporating listening opportunities, speaking and reading opportunities and of course, writing, as well. Real life issues are explored and the students should have ample chances to work in small groups as well as with the entire classroom.

To learn a bit more about Cooperative Learning, here are a few sites that you should find very enlightening.

  • http://www.clcrc.com/ "The Cooperative Learning Center" located at the University of Minnesota has some wonderful resources. At this site, you'll find information about formal cooperative learning, informal cooperative learning, and cooperative base groups. This is important information so that you will know what should work best for your particular circumstances.

  • http://www.clcrc.com/pages/academic.html Academic controversy is used to increase quality of learning and decision controversy to increase quality of decision making.

  • http://www.clcrc.com/pages/conflict.html A conflict can be as small as a disagreement or as large as a war. It can originate in one person, between two or more people, or between two or more groups. Conflicts are abundant in schools. There are some great pieces of information at this site to whet your appetite and leave you hungry for more.

  • Another very helpful and informative site is this one offered by Illinois State University: http://wolf.its.ilstu.edu/CAT/online/tip...

  • And this one offered by the College of Education at the University of Houston: http://www.coe.uh.edu/insite/elec_pub/ht...

Let's take a look at this integrated language arts site that uses cooperative learning strategies.

  • http://www.coedu.usf.edu/~morris/lanart.... This site has a great deal of creative and innovative lessons for use in a cooperative setting. Through the use of word scrabble, scavenger hunts and much more, the children will have not only a more meaningful and cohesive view of how life is integrated but also that learning can be fun!

Other Links of Interest