The following material, prepared by Dr. Cheryl Stratton at ODDL, provides more information on such a collaborative learning process. (I have made slight modifications to suit our course.)
We have also provided additional hints on successful: group workWhat is cooperative learning? Some of the work for this course involves the students in regular interactions with their student group members. This communication includes reflection and discussion of the topics in the class. Such interaction allows students to clarify their own thinking, learn to state their position, construct their own methods for learning, and get feedback on their understanding of the material. It is expected that the members of the group will develop a feeling of belonging to the group and that the group will become a cohesive entity of its own. The members will learn how to work together and learn how to use the group to understand the concepts. Group work will be included in the evaluation process.
Why work in teams? Working in teams gives students a safe environment to try new ideas and methods. In the team, students learn to communicate their ideas clearly. You will learn to listen effectively. You will challenge each other and explain concepts so others can understand. This interaction will improve your reasoning skills and critical thinking abilities.
For teams to be effective every member must understand what is expected of them. There are ground rules that must be followed.
- The group will need your commitment to it.
- Each member MUST participate fully.
- You must attend class and work with your group.
- If your group sets up an out-of-class meeting you must attend. However, an online forum will be provided, to reduce the need for actual meetings. If you do need to meet in person, I suggest choosing a convenient and safe location and time, so that all group members are able to attend.
- The group is responsible for each of its members.
- Make sure each member understands before moving on.
- The group succeeds ONLY when the individuals succeed.
- Individuals succeed ONLY when the group succeeds.
- Work cooperatively with the team members.
- Listen to each member and build on his or her ideas.
- Responsibilities should be shared equally.
- Stay focused on the task.
- It is very important to avoid digressing from the topic being discussed. When you realize that the group has digressed from its main topic, you should point this out immediately, and bring the group back to focus.
Remember that if one member messes up it affects the rest of the team and if all members work to the best of their ability the group succeeds. If a problem arises with your group, you must contact the professor immediately. Do not let problems persist. That will affect your performance and grade.
I realize that this may be a new learning concept for you. However, this pedagogy is proving to be very effective, not only for learning concepts but also for the positive abilities students can transfer to the work place. The modern workplace is changing very quickly to incorporate cooperative work groups. Research shows that business and industry are calling on schools to teach students more about teamwork. And isn't this the way other groups in real life work -- sports, families, work project teams?
Recommended web site for more information: http://www.cooplearn.org. It is maintained by David T. Johnson and Roger W. Johnson, long-time cooperative learning researchers and practitioners. This web site, for the Cooperative Learning Center at the University of Minnesota, contains valuable background information on cooperative learning including three newsletters and some key articles such as Cooperative Learning Methods: A Meta-Analysis, which focuses on what can be proved to work.