Cooperative Learning with the Computer
Cooperative or collaborative
learning is learning by small groups of students who work together in a common
learning task. It said to be the most effective learning type since students
are to interact with their co-students with regards both to their strengths and
weaknesses. Although there are differences among the researches performed by
several people about the effect of using a computer vs. the collaborative
learning of students, it will strongly depend on how an educator implements or
executes tasks with relation to the usage of this technology.
DISCUSSION;
1. Discuss the difference
between peer competition and positive interdependence in a group. Simply said,
aren’t there debates in group work?
For peer competition, not
all emerge as winners and not all enjoys being a victor while in positive
interdependence, it is like everybody has a part to perform. Nobody wins for
each has a critical part for the success of an activity.
There might be debates in
group works and that is good. There is a need to settle topics first before
pursuing one definite goal.
2. What can be done in
case some members of a group do not show positive interpersonal and communication
skills? Can the teacher help in this situation?
Yes, teachers can help in
this situation. They must if they can encourage students to join discussions
with their classmate or a teacher might advise as well students performing well
in communication to help these students.
3. Do skills in
listening, negotiating, compromising, punctuality, tolerance (giving others a
chance to speak) part of the social skills needed in group work?
Yes, these will help keep
the group intact, effective and efficient.
4. How can group members
ensure that each member of the group is also accountable for the group work,
and not totally dependent on others? In practical terms, how can the teacher
grade individual students fairly in a group activity for one single output?
To ensure that every
member is accountable for the group work, they should agree of their functions
and for a teacher to know how to grade them, he/she must observe how these
students perform during the group work making.
5. While cooperative
learning is a very good avenue for teachers to help students learn effectively,
why is it not to be adopted in all classroom learning situations?
Since we strongly believe
in individual differences, there are variations every time. It may or it may
not be applicable to your class. Thus, a teacher must be very sensitive of what
his/her class needs.
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