The cooperative learning strategies that were a part of this week's resources correlate well with the principles of social learning theories. Multimedia presentations such as video, podcasting, and use of this week's resource VoiceThread can allow for students to collaborate together on an online project or something that can be presented to the class in video format. The students must plan together first what they are going to do. They then must experiment with the different programs allowed to them to figure out how they are going to put it all together. Finally, they must pay close attention to detail in their projects and complete the project together. The teacher can tell when a group of students hasn't worked well together as their project fails. Up-front preparation and communication skills play key roles in this type of cooperative learning strategy.
Something else that caught my attention in this week's resources was the web-enabled multiplayer simulation games. These games are becoming ever popular outside of the classroom with games such as Call of Duty (my husband and brothers play that together over an Internet connection) and even Mario Kart. It is amazing how in some of these games you can be on the same team and work on solving a problem together even though you are not in the same room. The same can be done with educational programs. The one that particularly caught my eye was Revolution in which students work together online to solve problems, debate, and communicate during the events that led up to the American Revolution. While I am not a social studies teacher I can see how this type of cooperative learning exercise would both enhance students' social and communication skills but also their content knowledge about a particular time period in American History. This was a pivotal moment in our nation's history and to be able to simulate what it might have been like for the students gives them a better understanding of what exactly was going on.
There are many other strategies in our resources that correlate with the principles of social learning theories. I do like what the author said, however, that cooperative learning should be used "consistently and systematically" yet should not be "overused" (Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, & Pitler, 2007, 139). Overuse of anything can create bad situations and bad student-teacher experiences. However, cooperative learning is a great tool to use in the classroom and it benefits not just the students involved but the teacher as well.
Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., Malenoski, K., & Pitler, H. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Lyndsay,
ReplyDeleteIn science classrooms, social learning takes place during most laboratory assignments. The students are usually paired up to perform an experiment and then report their results. There is also the opportunity for social learning to occur when the teacher is presenting content that is not part of a laboratory experiment. By nature, humans are social people and so it is no surprise that students want to be able to talk to their friends. I believe teachers need to harness this desire to socialize and use it in education manner. Make the content engaging while allowing the students to work together and they will have fun while they are learning. Do you use cooperative learning in your science classroom? How about inquiry or project based learning?
I noticed your voice thread was directed toward getting students to work together in groups where everybody helps and everybody benefits. Do you already know the answer and just wanted to spark a conversation or have you had problems with students working together effectively?
Max Mills
Max
ReplyDeleteYes, I do cooperative learning activities and project based learning in my science classroom. We do labs every chapter. My problem is I have had the same students now since they were in 4th grade (and they are now in 6th) and lately have been struggling to get them motivated as I am running out of steam so to speak with the same kids. I have been having problems lately of getting students involved in cooperative learning and I guess I was just reaching for more ideas other that what I have tried. I have heard of the jigsaw that you mentioned and have not had an opportunity to implement it. I have tried round robin brainstorming, three-minute review, think-pair-share, activities with role assignment, and various other cooperative learning strategies. With the same students for almost three years now you would think the class would run smooth, however there is an issue with becoming too comfortable with the teacher. One of my colleagues made a comment today that I am almost like their mother now! Not exactly the best position to be in!
Hi Lyndsay,
ReplyDeleteI, too, was intrigued by reading about these games. I know the students would love them and they would not feel as if they were learning. Do you know of any of these types of games that utilize elementary math skills?
Lyndsay
ReplyDeleteI teach Social Studies and do use games throughout the year. The amount of knowledge that is conveyed when the students play them is remarkable, especially when they are in teams. I use RISK when teaching military history, and the students turn into mini field generals. Having students create and play their own games is also a great way to incorporate them into the classroom. Excellent post!