Self Evaluation of Cooperative Learning

My Strengths:
*Provide opportunities for CL
*Kagan’s model of CL. Only model that I was familiar with prior to the reading.
*Prior to beginning CL practices I teach students how to “work cooperatively”. This helps to reduce/eliminate feelings of “exploitation” and “free rider/sucker free” effects.
*Distinguishing the difference btwn. cooperative learning and group work (to students and parents).
*Differentiating CL assignments. (Only a strength because I group them mostly by ability, might not be a strength if I grouped them differently.

My Areas of Improvement:
*Need to be consistent in providing CL opportunities. Offer them throughout each unit, not just at the conclusion.
*Research and incorporate other models of CL (Johnson & Johnson and Slavin).
*Tend to group students by ability level.
*Increasing the time allotted to complete CL tasks. Groups ALWAYS finish prior or post to my planned schedule. Have to alter plans around CL groups-kids are engaged though :)
*Providing outlets for students that “opt out” or aren’t “ready” for CL opportunities.
*Allow students to self-assess and assess group members after CL tasks and projects as part of the assessment component.

My Reflection: I was first introduced to Cooperative Learning (CL) a few years ago at a professional development workshop. The workshop focused on the Spencer Kagan model of cooperative learning. I took the ideas and excitedly returned to my classroom ready to implement my newfound knowledge. What I learned was that you cannot jump into the pool of cooperative learning without knowing how to swim. I wanted my kids to look like the students in the video-eagerly working, engaged, and getting along. Well they didn’t because I failed to “teach” them how to work cooperatively, some students dominated while others lackadaisically sat back and watched all of the work get done. So what did I do? I quit CL and decided to give it a try with the next class.
The following school year I incorporated character education and get to know you activities of CL within the first days of school (procedures, procedures, procedures days). My students were learning the foundations of CL (roles, responsibilities, and expectations) from day one. As a result the students had a greater sense of responsibility for their own learning, they looked forward to “group time”, and my role as teacher shifted to that of facilitator.
Besides being time consuming (like everything else) I’ve found that the benefits out way the drawbacks of cooperative learning. I hope that next year I can add to my list of strengths within this aspect of teaching.