Cooperative Learning

Download or read book Cooperative Learning written by Robert E. Slavin and published by . This book was released on 1982-01-01 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This monograph presents descriptions of six extensively researched and widely used cooperative learning methods and discusses research on the effects of cooperative learning. The term "cooperative learning" refers to instructional methods in which students of all levels of performance work together in small groups toward a common goal. The essential feature of cooperative learning is that the success of one student helps other students to be successful. The six methods are: (1) Student Teams Achievement Divisions (STAD); (2) Teams-Games-Tournaments (TGT); (3) Team-Assisted Individualization (TAI); (4) Jigsaw; (5) Learning Together; and (6) Group Investigation. Some methods are highly structured, with well-specified group tasks and group rewards, while others give more autonomy to students and have fewer specified group rewards. Some of these methods are used almost exclusively in social studies, and one is designed only for mathematics. Several can be used in all subject areas. All grade levels are represented. A case study of a junior high school student experiencing student team learning methods is presented, illustrating how team learning methods are used and where they are most effective. Reports are presented on research studies that examined the various methods of implementing student team cooperative learning. Their impact on academic achievement, intergroup relations, mainstreaming, and student self-esteem is discussed. The overall conclusion drawn from this research was that, when the classroom is structured so that students can work cooperatively on learning tasks, students benefit academically as well as socially. A 58-item bibliography is appended. (JD)