Making Cooperative Learning Powerful
Article written by Robert Slavin: ASCD, October 2014
5 Key practices bring out the tremendous potential of the approach
1) Form interdependent teams
- four member teams recommended
- teams work together daily for 6-8 weeks
- teams should engage in bonding activities when teams are formed
- it's recommended teams be composed of across section of the class
2) Set group goals
- set a target, product or indicator to get every member to perform
- evaluate and reward when criteria of the team work is met
3) Ensure individual accountability
- make sure team goal requires participation of all members.
- reinforce the purpose of the team
- ensure the work is challenging
4) Teach communication and problem solving skills
- active listening
- explaining ideas and opinions
- encouragement
- completing tasks
5) Integrate cooperative learning with other structures
- it should be a part of the lesson, but not the whole lesson
- examples: rando reporter, think-pair-share, study buddies
- could come before or after teacher instruction
