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What Are Cooperative Groups?

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Summary

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In education, cooperative groups are small groups of students with different abilities that work together to learn. This type of group work helps students learn more by working with each other. There are different types of cooperative groups that teachers can use in their classrooms.

Frequently Asked Question

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What are cooperative groups?

Cooperative groups are a teaching approach where students of different abilities work together towards common goals.

How do cooperative groups work?

In cooperative groups, students work as a team on tasks, sharing ideas, helping each other, and learning together.

How does Goally support cooperative groups?

Goally’s apps encourage collaboration, helping kids learn how to work together and benefit from each other’s strengths.

What are the benefits of cooperative groups for my child?

Cooperative groups can enhance your child’s problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and increase their engagement in learning.

Scientific Definition

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Cooperative groups, in education and psychology, refer to a teaching method where small teams, each with students of different abilities, work together towards a common goal. This teaching approach fosters peer-to-peer collaboration, increases engagement, and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Helpful Resources

Real World Example of Cooperative Groups

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.

How Do Cooperative Groups?

Cooperative groups can be used in various ways to support learning and skill development:

  • Jigsaw activities: Each group member becomes an expert on a subtopic and teaches it to their teammates.
  • Think-Pair-Share: Students think about a question individually, discuss with a partner, and then share with the larger group.
  • Numbered Heads Together: Groups work together to ensure all members can answer questions; the teacher calls on a random number to respond.
Cooperative Learning Strategy Key Features
Jigsaw Experts, teaching subtopics
Think-Pair-Share Individual thought, partner discussion, group sharing
Numbered Heads Together Group accountability, random individual responses

By incorporating these strategies, teachers can create an inclusive classroom environment that supports the learning and growth of all students, including those with special needs.