Cooperative learning at Key Stage 3
Author
Luis Verdejo, Matthew Arnold School
Summary
This investigation looked into how introducing a cooperative model into the classroom would affect motivation, understanding, progress made and social skills. Using real world situations as a practical to reinforce the theory learned in lessons, students placed into groups of 3 and were made to design, carry out and feedback on their work. They were given a practical booklet used to guide them through the process. The advantages of this approach were found to include additional time for resource development and student training; freedom to work with struggling groups and offer assistance; a more student led approach; less teacher talk; and improvement in participation of all learners. Furthermore, students commented positively on the approach, noting that they were left with a record of their progress and that the approach allowed them to engage more fully with the activity.