Cooperative Learning and Group Projects and
Presentations
Presentations
Part 1
Students need an opportunity to discuss the challenges and responsibilities of working in groups. This reading is written with the focus on the student. The thought is to get students thinking and talking about group work especially as it relates to completing a project. There are many opportunities for the teacher and the student to discuss the rules, roles, and responsibilities of working in groups. Of course this type of discussion is best held with students who have been involved in class building and team building activities and have appreciated the opportunity to work together.
I have tried to write this in student language....
Some assignments are set up to be completed in cooperation with other students in your class. Or sometimes you'll have the option to do an assignment either independently or in partnership with another student or a small group of students.
When we consider differences in individual learning styles, obviously some students have a distinct preference for working alone, while others prefer sharing learning responsibilities. In other situations a student who enjoys working with others may, nevertheless, have some real concerns about the quality of work that will be produced by the group. Other students worry about the fair distribution of labor, especially if they have had an unsuccessful experience with group work in the past. Clear expectations from both teachers and students are important if a team approach is going to work.
Discuss the following questions
• What are the possible benefits of working with others?
• What are some of the "real concerns" about working in groups?
• What does the expression "clear expectations" mean and why is it important for the clear functioning of groups?
