Cooperative or Social Learning

I believe if used correctly, putting learners into cooperative/social groups to work together is a fantastic idea. I have seen the benefits in my own classroom. There is so much bonding taking place and children feel safe with their peers to share their thoughts and ideas.

The biggest concern is whether this is THEE way. There is no real one way. However, I do believe that a teacher willing to give cooperative learning a try will see the benefits out weigh the "benefits" of paper and pencil type activities. For some, school is the one place where their voice can be heard and appreciated. I love that each child has something to offer and at times the unexpected child is the one that wows me when I listen in on conversations as they work together.

They, the students, have unique ways to teach each other. Why not let them work together? This week I introduced a new step in our Writer's Workshop....peer editing. My little first graders were so excited to wear the teacher hat and help their peers. They took their jobs seriously and did a super job.

Maybe those that buck at this type of learning or teaching do so because they do not start off explaining the boundaries and the objectives clearly. As a group, we had a discussion on the purpose for peer editing and how it works if done one way and how it can go wrong very quickly if not done correctly. When they are working in their groups, I am still right there listening in and adding my two cents. I do not sit at my desk and correct papers. I am still facilitating learning.

I strongly believe in cooperative learning!