Cooperative learning

Cooperative learning is a wellresearched teaching

strategy. It utilizes small teams using A variety of
learning activities to improve students understanding
of content and develop inquiry and social skills. Because
each team member is responsible for learning and also
helping team members, an atmosphere of achievement
and team spirit develops.
 Why use Cooperative Learning?

promote student learning and academic achievement

enhance student satisfaction with their learning
experience
help students develop skills in oral communication
develop social skills & promote student self-esteem
help to promote positive race relations
can lead to a gain as high as 28 percentiles in measured
student achievement (Marzano, Pickering, and Pollock
2001)**.
 Group Investigation

more student directed in its approach.

In group investigations students collaborate to

produce a group product for presentation.

This is an open-ended investigation which students

may help determine the focus of their investigation.
The activity is structured to emphasize higher-order
thinking skills.
After the teacher presents an introduction to the unit,
the students discuss what they have learned and outline
possible topics for further examination.
From this list of student-generated topics, each learning
group chooses one and determines subtopics for each group
member or team.
Each student or group of students is responsible for
researching his or her individual piece and preparing a brief
report to bring back to the group.
The group then designs a presentation (discourage a strict
lecture format) and shares its findings with the entire class.
Allow time for discussion at the end of the presentation. A
class evaluation for each presentation can be an effective way
of providing feedback to the groups. (Sharan & Shachar, 1988)
 team formation

team building

team preparation

team presentations