Cooperative Learning for Variation in Teaching

Last session of PETA course we learnt a lot of things. We were divided into 5 groups and each group was given material to be mastered. Then we shared it to the class. I was in a group which discussed about cooperative learning.

Cooperative learning is teaching strategy that groups students who have different level of ability to improve understanding of particular subject by using variety of activities. This strategy of teaching is really emphasizing on team work. Each member has responsibility to guide other members to understand the subject.

Cooperative learning gives mutual benefit among the member of the group because cooperative effort let them to:

·         benefits each other.

·         Know that they are facing the same challenges.

·         Discover that one’s performance in the group is caused by others’ performance.

·         Appreciate those who recognized for achievement.

Cooperative learning might be considered better than competitive and individual learning in certain conditions. It will be effective if the conditions are:

1.      Positive Interdependence (sink and swim together). This condition is where the members know that each group contribution is unique and essentially required for group success.

2.      Face-to-Face Interaction (promote each other success). In this condition each member should be able to explain how to solve problem orally, teach each other, check for understanding, discuss learned concepts and connect present and past learning.

3.      Individual and Group Accountability (no hitchhiking! no social loafing). In this condition support group size to be always in small size. This condition allows teacher to check students understanding by calling one member of groups to explain orally what they have understood.

4.      Interpersonal and Small-Group Skills. This requires social skills like leadership, decision-making, trust-building, communication and conflict-management skills to be taught.

5.      Group Processing. This is like reflective session. In this condition group member discuss how well they achieve accomplishment and how to maintain good work.

Cooperative learning can be implemented by using:

·         Jigsaw where each member master particular topic then share it to the group.

·         Think-Pair-Share where member think about particular subject silently then discuss with his or her pair and the last share it to the group.

·         Three-Step Interview. This requires member to interview his or her partner about particular topic then share it to the group.

·         Round Robin Brainstorming. This is where one member is pointed as a recorder to write down the answers and responses from other members who have given some questions.

·         Three-Minutes Review is where group discussion stopped by teacher then ask the group to tell what they have discussed in three minutes.

·         Numbered Heads Together is where members are numbered. Then they have to discussed particular topic. After discussion teacher will call certain number randomly to answer some question.

·         Team Pair Solo is when members discuss particular topic in group, then in pair and the last the conclude it individually.

·         Circle the Sage is when teacher chooses one student who is considered able to solve difficult topic as the sage. Then the sage becomes a tutor to teach other who still do not understand about the topic.

·         Partners is where the students are divided into group of four then they choose their partner. Partners have to master particular material given by teacher then share it with other partners.

After knowing this kind of teaching strategy, I realize that I can use variation of teaching strategy so that students will not feel bore. I think this strategy of teaching really increases students ability in team work and their critical thinking because they must work in group which needs social skills and give their own opinion in solving some problems.