Cooperative and Collaborative Learning
Cooperative learning is an approach to teaching and learning where students work in small groups or teams to complete meaningful activities such as solving problems or creating products. Groups share their strengths and address their weaknesses as a team.
Complete the Cooperative and Collaborative Learning free, online workshop from Educational Broadcasting Corporation.
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Cooperative and Collaborative Learning in the Library Media Program
The cooperative learning method is a practical approach for media specialists and classroom teachers wishing to work together. For example, the media specialist can work with some teams while the classroom teacher works with others. This approach also works well for learning center activities where students rotate among a number of activities.
WebQuests and other inquiry-based learning activities often contain cooperative aspects. In some cases, students are asked to play roles in small group activities such as director, writer, videographer, graphic artist, or editor.
Literature circles have become a popular activity particularly in English and language arts classrooms. A group of students share the same reading experience such as an article or novel, develop and investigate questions, and hold discussions. Go to Literature Ladders: Themes and Literature Circles for ideas.
View Cooperative Learning (Real Media - 1:46).
In this video, students discuss their Medieval unit and collaborative projects. - Excerpt from “SOAR: A Reading Collaboration” by IU Ed Services
Go to the Real website to download a free player.
Read Key Word: Cooperative Learning in THE BLUE BOOK by Callison and Preddy, 344-348.
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Cooperative Learning from Virginia Tech