1. Cooperative Learning Classroom Instruction that Works Chapter 7: Cooperative Learning
Robert J. Marzano

2. Research & Theory on Cooperative Learning
One of the most popular instructional strategies in education
1867 W.T. Harris
St. Louis, MO
Allow for rapid student promotion in elementary grades

3. Research shows that organizing students into cooperative groups yields a positive effect on overall learning. When applying cooperative learning strategies:
* keep groups small *don’t overuse this strategy *be systematic and consistent in your approach

4. Five Defining Elements
Group processing
Interpersonal and small group skills
Individual and group accountability
Face-to-face interaction
Positive interdependence

5. Defining Elements
Positive Interdependence A sense of sink or swim together
Face-to-face interaction = Helping each other learn, applauding success and efforts).
Individual and Group Accountability = Each of us has to contribute to the group achieving its goals.
Interpersonal & Small Group Skills = Communication, trust, leadership, decision making, and conflict resolution.
Group Processing = Reflecting on how well the team is functioning and how to function even better.

6. Organizing students in cooperative learning groups has a powerful effect on learning, regardless of whether groups compete with one another.
Textbox

7. 3 Guidelines for Cooperative Learning
Organizing groups based on ability levels should be done sparingly.
Homogenous Grouping
Vs.
Heterogeneous

8. 2. Cooperative groups should be kept rather small in size.

9. 3. Cooperative learning should be applied consistently and systematically, but not overused.
Misused: tasks given to group are not well structured
Overused: students not given enough time for independent practice

10. Using a Variety of Criteria for Grouping Student
Ideas for grouping:
Alpha
Computer numbers
Colors
Deck of cards

11. … in conclusion
Of all classroom grouping strategies, cooperative learning may be the most flexible and powerful. As the examples in this chapter illustrate, teachers can use cooperative learning in a variety of ways in many different situations.