In my social studies class, the students have many opportunities to interact while learning. I was fortunate to have a forward-thinking mentor teacher when I was student teaching who told me that the students should always work harder than the teacher. On the surface, one might think this means the teacher can kick back and let the students be completely responsible for their own education. But what he meant was that the teacher should instead function as the facilitator or the 'more knowledgeable other' (Laureate, 2009) and that students should have a certain degree of self-motivation and direction of learning. Cooperative learning activities certainly facilitate both.
Our county is very supportive of social interaction in the use of Kagan strategies. Some were mentioned in this week's resources such as jigsaws, base groups, and three-step interviews. As you might guess, not all teachers embrace these strategies because group work can take a bit of adjusting to because of diverse ability levels, clashing personalities, and there's always the noise but they are denying themselves and their students. These teachers would see that "cooperative learning is not so much learning to cooperate as it is cooperating to learn." (Pitler, et al, 2007). And gradually teachers will notice that they are not the sole 'more knowledgeable other', but students will rely upon their peers to help them learn what they are trying to find out. Also it will give students the chance to develop their own unique talents and give them recognition among their peers and boost their self-esteem so that everyone plays an important role in the classroom environment.
These roles can then be extended into networks thanks to technology. Many of the suggested resources in our text would be appropriate for allowing the students to develop and share knowledge. Social networking sites, webquests, calendars, blogs, and simulated games enable students to reach out and develop their interests and help others who want to know more about a certain topic so they can essentially go from asking the experts to becoming an expert. I was amazed to learn that there are over fifty benefits for students who use cooperative learning in the classroom in the areas of social skills, psychological abilities, academics and assessments (Orey, 2001). Thanks to technology, teachers don't have an excuse not to use cooperative learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009b). Program ten Social Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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I like that phrase "more knowledgeable other." I like the idea of developing other people (in this case other students) that kids can go to for an explanation before coming to the teacher. Not only does that help the teacher, but it also helps challenge that "more knowledgeable other" that may be able to get by without doing much.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ben April, I do like the phrase "more knowledgeable other." Having that student as a "student helper" gives them the ability to be a role model, leader of the class, and an inspiration to their peers. Student helpers really do give you the ability to work with the other student who is severely struggling. For the student that just has the simple question, the knowledgeable would be able to answer that for me. Having at least one in each of your classes is very beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI think we may have more than one "knowledgeable other" in our classrooms. Each student will bring his or her own unique strengths to each topic discussed in the classroom. I have relied more and more on my students to do the teaching this year - especially where technology is concerned. My Navajo students are not supposed to appear more knowledgeable than another student. It has a lot to do with being a clan member and not setting yourself above another. This can make cooperative learning difficult because no one wants to take the lead. However, with technology-based activities that cultural norm seems to disappear. It led to a more successful year, I think.
ReplyDeleteHi Virginia,
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the different cultural perspectives that might affect social learning. You brought up a really good point. I am thinking about looking back on our texts from our class on multiculturalism in order to find out more about specific views on cooperation. I could be wrong, but I think that most cultures encourage working together and that they would discourage competition. I think 'American society' is the exception to the rule in that respect!