Teacher Corner 3: Cooperative Learning, How Does It Work?

affiedalfayed (57)in #steemiteducation • 6 years ago (edited)

In the educational perspective, there are many methods, strategies or learning techniques that can be applied by teachers during the learning process in the classroom. Those all are necessary to be applied in an effort to achieve the goal of learning that is oriented to the needs of students. To choose an effective learning method, the teacher should consider many aspects such as the characteristics of the students taught, the students' abilities, the topics being taught, the availability of learning media, and other supporting aspects. Therefore, in this post I want to discuss one of the learning strategies called Cooperative Learning

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Cooperative Learning

In the learning process using cooperative learning strategy, students are organized into several groups. Ideally, each group consists of 4 students. The group is formed with short-term goals; for any one topic, or, the teacher forms the group for long term purposes; students are in the same group up to one semester. Using this learning strategy, students learn with their group mates. Through the group students discuss, solve problems and help and support each other to achieve the common goal.

The use of cooperative learning strategy is very useful when teachers can manage groups' members and design learning activities appropriately. It can be imagined in the groups work, there will be high high-ability students that will help their friends with low ability to succeed in learning. Also, high-ability students will improve their ability through the process as they seek to teach what they understand to their friends. Therefore, in practice this learning strategy will gives positive impacts for each student in academic improvement, both for high-ability students and for low-ability students in the groups.

In addition, the implementation of cooperative learning strategies also provides social benefits. Students will interact with their friends in their group. It will increase social sensitivity through multiple interactions while simultaneously improving their speaking skills through various discussions within the group.

Techniques of applying cooperative learning strategy

To apply this strategy, teachers must consider several things because this method not only puts students into groups and then lets them work without rules. This application technique is required to stay away from any negative impacts that may arise during learning:

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Teachers form groups of two to six students and students working together to achieve the goals of the group. Effectively, each group has heterogeneous members; from aspects of ability, gender, or race.
Each student of the group members has the same understanding of the goals to be achieved in the group. In this case, the teacher should provide clear guidance on how a group works. Thus, students have the same understanding with their friends and they can work together efficiently.
Each student has guidelines for how to behave in their group. each member is directed to behave in a good manner, both verbally and non verbally. Verbally, students should not use words that are not polite when working in groups. Non-verbally, students should not be overly dominating and every student should be given equal opportunity to participate in achieving goals
Although in achieving goals students should work in groups for common purposes, but students need to be assured that they are responsible for their own achievements. This needs to be watched to stay away from the possibility that some students are not working in the group and they benefit from the work of their friends. Thus, teachers need to hold a quiz at the end of the session to ensure the responsibility of each student.
Students are rewarded for group work, not individual work. With the award will provide positive reinforcement of students' academic improvement through cooperation with their friends in achieving common goals.

Negative Things To Avoid in Cooperative Learning

Although it has positive impacts on students' academic and social achievement through the use of cooperative learning strategies, there are also some negative impacts that teachers need to address in implementing this strategy. one of the negative impacts in applying cooperative learning is that there are some students who tend to work with small businesses in their groups. This happens because the student does not understand the common goals to be achieved together. So he's more focused on getting the right answer for himself. Another disadvantage is that students use the wrong strategy simultaneously suggested by a member of his group. And, the worst thing is that there are students who are not helpful in working with group members.

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Furthermore, to avoid the weaknesses of cooperative learning strategy, the technique of applying this strategy that I mentioned above should be implemented by teachers properly.

Additional Readings
Teacher Corner 2: Teacher Stress - Causes and Impacts
Teacher Corner 1: You Are A Teacher, Establish Your Authority!