Lesson 13

Cooperative Learning with the Computer

Cooperative Learning or Collaborative Learning is learning by small groups of student who work together in a common learning task. It is often also called group learning but to be truly cooperative learning five (5) elements are needed:

1.  A common goal

2.  Interdependence

3.  Interaction

4.  Individual accountability

5.  Social skills

From several studies made on cooperative learning it is manifested that cooperative learning in its true sense is advantageous since it;

(a)   Encourages active learning while motivating students;

(b)   Increases academic performance

(c)   Promotes literacy and language skill; and

(d)   Improves teacher effectiveness

Cooperative learning and the Computer

                

               Researchers have made studies on the learning interaction between the student and the computer. The studies have great value since it has been a long standing fear that the computer may foster student learning in isolation that hinders the development of the students social skills. Researchers agree that the computer is a fairly natural learning vehicle for cooperative (at times called promotive) learning.

                

Components of cooperative learning

              Educators are still vary about the computer’s role in cooperative learning. Thus they pose the position that the use of computers do not automatically result in cooperative learning. In that case, therefore assign the teacher several tasks in order to ensure collaborative learning. These are:

·         Assigning students to mixed-ability teams;

·         Establishing positive interdependence;

·         Teaching cooperative social skills;

·         Insuring individual accountability; and

·         Helping groups process information.

 REFLECTION

   

              In this lesson, when we are working with group, there will be more ideas to form and contribute to everyone, plus the cooperation you had when you working together will give more interesting moments with your friends.

APPLICATION

             We need to enhance more the skills or ability of our students to improve their self and to learn them on how to be an independent learners but we need them our guidance.