Lesson 13

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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