Cooperative learning strategies
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘ Facilitate collaborative learning’
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Utilise cooperative learning groups
Utilise cooperative learning groups
Successful cooperative learning groups:
- can be teacher-selected to ensure balance, inclusion, and productivity
- can be formed around target students with supportive peers
- are no larger than four students
- give students specific roles, for example, using cooperative group role cards
- can be changed periodically. It can take students some time to build relationships. Think about changing groups to extend the relationships your target students have.
Jigsaw learning
Jigsaw learning
The Jigsaw approach in action in a year 5–6 class. Expert learners are deliberately grouped with those that need support.
Reciprocal teaching of reading
Reciprocal teaching of reading
Reciprocal teaching of reading is effective in improving the achievement of learners from diverse backgrounds.
The structured small-group approach (where students have specific roles) provides a tool for supporting students to interact and collaborate successfully.
It involves four explicit strategies for reading comprehension:
- Formulating questions to stimulate thoughtful discussion.
- Clarifying ideas and information in the text.
- Predicting what might follow, using prior knowledge and information in the text.
- Summarising information in the text.
Peer tutoring
Peer tutoring
Peer tutoring is a form of cooperative learning where two students work together – a more skilled "tutor" with a less skilled "tutee".
Benefits for students:
- more individual teaching
- gains in learning
- gains in social/relationship skills
- improved attitudes towards learning
- improved self-esteem .
Benefits for tutors:
- practice/reinforcement of skills at earlier levels
- learning gains
- insight into the learning process
- development of social/relationship skills
- development of responsibility
- development of self-esteem.
Benefits for teachers:
- more effective use of time
- greater coverage of individual needs
- opportunities to observe students at work, and to assess skills.
Source: Teaching strategies for inclusive classrooms part 2: Peer tutoring (opens in a new tab/window)
Create a learning community
Create a learning community
Consider how you intentionally support students to build relationships and community with one another.
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Useful resources
Useful resources
An introduction to cooperative learning
This website provides information on how to set-up and implement cooperative learning groups
Publisher: The Education Hub
Reciprocal teaching
This resource provides step-by-step instructions for introducing reciprocal teaching with your students.
Publisher: WETA Public Broadcasting
Cooperative learning
This resource provides a range of group and team activities in which students have opportunities to work together to achieve shared learning goals.
Publisher: Social Sciences Online
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “ Facilitate collaborative learning”:
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Positive peer relationships
Strategies for action:
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Support and strengthen peer relationshipsShow suggestions for Support and strengthen peer relationships
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Facilitate collaborative learningShow suggestions for Facilitate collaborative learning
- Organise a collaborative environment
- Plan opportunities for collaboration
- Cooperative learning strategies
