Exploring Cooperative Learning Models and Methods

One of the most engaging type of lessons are the Cooperative Learning lessons. Cooperative Learning occurs when students work together and contribute in their own way in order to complete the project or activity successfully. This method allows for students to gain a better understanding of what they are learning by working with their peers while having responsibilities to contribute so that each student has a chance to share their ideas.

A model is defined as an approach to the teaching. There are many different approaches to Cooperative Learning Lessons. Here are 4 models of Cooperative Learning Lessons:

1. Behavior Model: This model is used to change the behavior of the student by teaching the skills and knowledge.

2. Information Processing Model: This model accepts the students as critical thinkers. It engages the students in processing information and allows students to interpret it. The teacher develops the students critical thinking skills on how to process and reflect information. Students learn best when they are able to retain the information that they are learning into their memories Teachers can use this information processing model by reviewing the lesson from the day before. Some examples of the Information Processing Method includes: Reviewing the last lesson, making connections.

3. Social Interactive Model: This model's goal is to have the students working with each other. It develops the students social and communication skills. The students learn better when they collaborate and exchange ideas.

4. Personal Model: This model is used for the students individual learning. It helps students to develop their self-esteem and identities.

A method is defined as a way of teaching. Teachers try to find ways on how to reach each child in the classroom. Here are some effective methods that will help engage the students in the classroom:

Direct Instruction Method: This is a teacher controlled method where the teacher teaches the students the lesson and models it using examples. Some examples of the Direct Instruction Method includes: lectures, demonstrations, home exercises.

Indirect Instruction Method:This is a student centered method where students form hypotheses, observing, investigating, and drawing inferences from collected data. The students use the scientific method to explore the problems that they are given. Some examples of the Indirect Instruction Method includes: problem solving and case studies.

Social Interactive Method: This is a student centered method where students have the chance to interact with their peers and gain a better understanding of what they are learning by learning from their peers ideas and building onto their ideas by contributing their input. In this method, each student has a chance to share their thoughts and ideas. Each student is responsible for their own input and is needed in order to successfully contribute to the project or activity. Some examples of the Social Interactive Method includes: debates, role playing, and the Jigsaw Method.

The Jigsaw Method is best described as a puzzle. Every person in the group becomes a puzzle piece and gets a task to solve in order to reach an entire result. In order to complete the puzzle, or task, each person is needed to contribute.

These are examples of some great Cooperative Learning Models and Methods. I will definitely be incorporating these models and methods into my future classroom.