Cooperative Learning

 Grade: 1st

Subject: Language Arts

Standards: 1.2 Identify and correctly use singular and plural nouns. (California Department of Education, 2000, English-Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools)

Grouping: For this activity I would use heterogeneous grouping. This way higher achieving students would be given the opportunity to be peer tutors for lower achieving students.

Activity: The teacher will divide the class into groups of four students. Each group will be given a set of index cards with words written on them. Each group will get two sheets of paper one sheet will have Noun written on it and the other sheet will have Verb written on it. The students will sort the index cards. If the word is a noun it will go on the sheet that says noun, and if the word is a verb it will go on the sheet that says verb. Students will take turns sorting the words and explaining to the group why the word is a verb or a noun. The teacher will walk around during this activity to access students' understanding and will help students who need extra help.

Challenges in Implementing Cooperative Learning:  One challenge could be lack of social skills. Some students may not know how to work with a group which may cause friction among group members, This is why I feel it is important for teachers to carefully choose groups of students. If you have a student lacking in social skills it is important that they are paired with students who are more tolerant and less likely to become frustrated.  Another challenge, would be lack of contribution by all members of the group. Some students might not contribute to the group while one or two students do all the work for the group. This is why I feel it is important to make sure each member of a group has a role assigned to them. As well as this is, it is important for the teacher to walk around and assess groups during the activity.  

How Cooperative Learning Strategies Increase Performance of Students at all Levels: Cooperative learning strategies allow students the opportunity to work with their peers. This is something students need to be able to do to be successful in life. Students can be more motivated to learn and grow when they are challenged by their peers. Some students who tend to be shy can feel more comfortable asking their peers for help than asking the teacher. Working in groups also increases higher level thinking skills among students. Cooperative learning motivates students learning as well as causes students to grow in social skills.

(California Department of Education, 2000, English-Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools)



 


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