Collaborative Learning
objective
This project was undertaken to examine the changing needs of public middle schools in order to develop more appropriate furniture for the cooperative learning classroom. Schools are moving towards cooperative groups as the model for learning. The current classroom furniture and environment does not accommodate this trend.
definition of cooperative learning
In cooperative learning students work with their peers to accomplish a shared or common goal. The goal is reached through interdependence among all group members rather than working alone. Each member is responsible for the outcome of the shared goal. "Cooperative learning does not take place in a vacuum." Not all groups are cooperative groups. Putting groups together in a room does not mean cooperative learning is taking place. (Johnson & Johnson, p. 26). In order to have effective cooperative learning the following 5 essential elements are needed. positive interdependence Each group member depends on each other to accomplish a shared goal or task. Without the help of one member the group is not able to reach the desired goal. face-to-face interaction Promoting success of group members by praising, encouraging, supporting, or assisting each other. individual accountability Each group member is held accountable for his or her work. Individual accountability helps to avoid members from "hitchhiking" on other group members' accomplishments. social skills Cooperative learning groups set the stage for students to learn social skills. These skills help to build stronger cooperation among group members. Leadership, decision-making, trust-building, and communication are different skills that are developed in cooperative learning. group processing Group processing is an assessment of how groups are functioning to achieve their goals or tasks. By reviewing group behavior the students and the teacher get a chance to discuss special needs or problems within the group. Groups get a chance to express their
This project was undertaken to examine the changing needs of public middle schools in order to develop more appropriate furniture for the cooperative learning classroom. Schools are moving towards cooperative groups as the model for learning. The current classroom furniture and environment does not accommodate this trend.
definition of cooperative learning
In cooperative learning students work with their peers to accomplish a shared or common goal. The goal is reached through interdependence among all group members rather than working alone. Each member is responsible for the outcome of the shared goal. "Cooperative learning does not take place in a vacuum." Not all groups are cooperative groups. Putting groups together in a room does not mean cooperative learning is taking place. (Johnson & Johnson, p. 26). In order to have effective cooperative learning the following 5 essential elements are needed. positive interdependence Each group member depends on each other to accomplish a shared goal or task. Without the help of one member the group is not able to reach the desired goal. face-to-face interaction Promoting success of group members by praising, encouraging, supporting, or assisting each other. individual accountability Each group member is held accountable for his or her work. Individual accountability helps to avoid members from "hitchhiking" on other group members' accomplishments. social skills Cooperative learning groups set the stage for students to learn social skills. These skills help to build stronger cooperation among group members. Leadership, decision-making, trust-building, and communication are different skills that are developed in cooperative learning. group processing Group processing is an assessment of how groups are functioning to achieve their goals or tasks. By reviewing group behavior the students and the teacher get a chance to discuss special needs or problems within the group. Groups get a chance to express their