Sarah, a 4th grader with ADHD, often struggles to stay focused and contribute meaningfully to group projects. However, things start to change when her teacher implements cooperative learning groups in the classroom:
- Assigned roles: Sarah is given the role of Recorder in her group, responsible for writing down the team’s ideas and keeping track of their progress.
- Positive interdependence: The teacher explains that each group member’s success depends on the others, encouraging Sarah to stay engaged and support her teammates.
- Individual accountability: Sarah knows she will be held accountable for her contributions, motivating her to do her best work.
- Social skill development: As the group works together, Sarah learns valuable communication and collaboration skills that help her connect with her peers.
By the end of the project, Sarah feels a sense of pride in her team’s accomplishments and has gained confidence in her ability to contribute to group work.