Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning is a teaching approach designed to encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and to work cooperatively with a group to accomplish a goal. Using this format, students are usually assigned to heterogeneous groups with equal representation of students of different races, ethnic origins, social classes, and gender. Students are presented with a problem or a question and given time to solve the problem or answer the question. The prob¬lem might be to create a ball game that uses throw¬ing and catching or discover ways to explain the meaning of balance. It is important to establish guidelines for cooperative work. Everyone in the group must participate in the assigned work; however, only one student may talk at a time, and the others must listen quietly. Everyone must show respect for others. It is important that each stu¬dent assume responsibility for her own work as well as the work of the entire group. The group is not successful unless all students accomplish the goal, so students are encouraged to help each other. Before assigning a cooperative activity, teachers should set the stage by discussing the following concepts with the class:

• Why groups fail to solve the problem (the problem is too difficult; group members fight with one another)
• How group members have their feelings hurt (others are not listening; they are unable to help)
• What makes groups successful (taking turns, sharing responsibility, respecting others)
• After the activity, discuss what worked and what did not with the class. Focus on groups with positive interactions and results.

Cooperative discussion groups can be used to get students to think about the importance of individual effort and social responsibility. For ex¬ample, the following topics could be used at the beginning of the school year to emphasize the importance of working hard and following the rules set for the class:

• Describe a student who doesn't try in physical education.
• What should we do if some students don't try?
• What would our class be like if nobody tried'?
• How should we deal with Students who always want to argue with other students and the teacher?
• How should we deal with students who shove or hit other students?