This week’s instructional strategy was cooperative learning. I feel this relates to social learning theory because the students are working together to create solutions to different problems. In the past I would allow students to work in small groups in class to complete assignments. I found that many of the students would rely on one of the members and was just copying the solutions down. The other problem was that students would spend more time talking about unrelated topics because they were relying on just one person. I moved away from group work and made the students work on the assignment by themselves.
After this week’s resources and resources from past weeks my view has again changed. In the past the assignments that were created did not allow for good group work. I now feel that by manipulating the assignment and making more structured it will allow the students to be learning and still have fun will staying focused on the task at hand. I now feel that cooperative learning can be a beneficial tool in the classroom and outside of the classroom.
By integrating technology in the group work more students can be involved in the work that is being done. It will allow for multiple parts that can be worked on in class or out of class. Once each part is finished they can come together as a group to explain what they have completed so that the whole group has an understanding of the information. This way they are working together and talking about the information they are learning.
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I completely understand your previous thoughts. I even remember in high school having to work on group projects and watching some of my peers just sitting there or talking about weekend plans. I feel your new thoughts about making projects more structured and integrating technology will definitely reduce the amount of unproductiveness in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteRichard,at one point, I had decided to stop giving group work because of the same reason,but my head of deapartment introduced me to the jigsaw strategy. The jigsaw strategy was explained in the video presentation by Dr. Orey.When each student is assigned to complete a different aspect of the group project,it is that student's responsibilty to complete that given part of the assignment.
ReplyDeleteTechnology comes in quite well, because you could have each student submitting his or her part of the assignment before they have complied it for presentation. I do agree that cooperative leaening is very beneficial in the classroom.
Cassandra.
Perfrom with purpose,
ReplyDeleteThe jigsaw strategy is something that is new to me. As I take new courses and I am introduced to different strategies I do feel better about group work. This is a strategy that I am going to look to try and incorporate into an activity for my students. Changing how we do this is sometimes a difficult task. Hearing that others are changing and having success is always a motivating factor to reexamine and adjust what we are doing.
Rick Orr