When reading the resources for the week, I was able to learn more about cooperative learning. I feel that this theory is vital to a students learning experience. With cooperative learning, students are able to "interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007 p. 139). This type of social and cooperative learning allows students to engage in collaborative discussions which do not even need to take place in the same room. With the use of technology, students are able to blog about their ideas. Students can become more hands on and deeper thinking can take place. It is also important to know that "cooperative learning should be used consistently and systematically, but should not be overused" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p.139) Just like any idea, lesson and method, students can get burnt out on it. With these theories, "students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with others" (Orey, 2009). Having students engaged in what they are doing is a key factor in their learning experience. Students need to be able to connect with the ideas in order to have a better understanding of the information. With technology playing the role that it does in society, we are able to create and provide opportunities for higher learning for our students.
I think that with this class, I have been able to learn more about how to get my students to collaborate with one another effectively. As I finish my VoiceThread, I am able to understand where students can use this tool to create deeper level thinking and become more hands on with their work. You can view my VoiceThread at http://voicethread.com/share/653679
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Social Learning Theories Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI also picked up on the idea that cooperative learning activities need to be consistent but not overused. In my own eagerness to have my students work in groups using laptops to explore, research, and create, I overlooked the importance of starting small and using consistent methods for meeting the students' overall objectives.
I'm now designing carefully planned lessons that use elements of social learning theory such as think-pair-share and jigsaw for specific tasks like a homework worksheet. Students and teachers alike need to see that cooperative learning can be enjoyable and effective when implemented properly.
Thanks for your post,
Allan
Elizabeth, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the social learning theory and the benefits that cooperative learning have on a student’s educational experience. I agree that with your statement that with cooperative learning, students are able to interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning. Working in groups allows each student to share their thoughts and ideas with their peers and enables them to collaborate together to develop ideas and solutions that they would be unable to create on their own.
ReplyDelete- Justin D.
Kathryn Amunrud: Voice Thread
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth!
I enjoyed reading your post and agree that it is important to be consistent with using cooperative learning strategies in the classroom but not to ONLY use cooperative learning strategies. It is important to find a balance and a way to incorporate all learning tools in the daily classroom, not just one, as all students learn differently and thus the instruction should also incorporate differentiated instruction utilizing many tools.