Cooperative+Learning

=Cooperative Learning= = = Over the past decade, **cooperative learning** has become one of the most popular, but often misunderstood, instructional strategies. Done properly, organizing students into cooperative learning groups has a powerful effect on learning. **Cooperative learning** has the added benefits of improving students' skills in communication, decision making, and conflict-resolution. Recognized leaders in the field of cooperative learning, Roger Johnson and David Johnson, define five elements of cooperative learning:
 * //positive interdependence// - a sense of sink or swim together
 * //face-to-face promotive interaction// - helping one another learn, applauding effort and success
 * //individual and group accountability// - each of us has to contribute to the group achieving its goals
 * //interpersonal and small group skills// - communication, trust, leadership, decision making, and conflict resolution
 * //group processing// - reflecting on how well the team is functioning and how it can function even better.

Johnson D.W., Johnson, R.T., & Holubec, E.J. (1993). //Cooperation in the classroom// (6th ed.). Edina, MN: Interaction Book.

**Read and Reflect**

 * 1) Read pages 159-172, //Handbook for Classroom Instruction that Works// and pages 139-154, //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works//.
 * 2) Go to the **Read and Reflect** section on your //Cooperative Learning// wiki page. Using the questions on page 162 of the //Handbook...//, reflect on your current beliefs and practices. Then share new insights or ideas you gained from these readings.

Apply and Reflect

 * 1) Learn about Google Docs and how it can be used for cooperative learning. Then complete the Google Docs Cooperative Learning project.
 * 2) Complete the **Apply and Reflect** section on your //Cooperative Learning// wiki page. Show evidence that you completed the activity and share ways this tool is applicable to your curriculum.

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