Cooperative Learning

       Cooperative learning is an organized way to use small groups to enhance learning by working together. However, this is different than just regular group work because it contains the 5 characteristics of cooperation. The five characteristics are- positive interdependence, individual and group accountability, interpersonal and small group skills, face-to-face promotive interaction, and group processing. All of these characteristics are essential for cooperative learning.
      Positive interdependence refers to all the positive outcomes of working in a group such as: not all the pressure is on you, have a common goal, and improves critical thinking. Positive interdependence has individual benefits too because it fosters higher critical thinking strategies, motivates students, and trust in others.
     Individual and group accountability means that each one is responsible to complete his or her own task so that one person is not left to do all the work while everyone else relaxes. When in Jigsaw groups, students rely on each other to teach and learn. This means, that jigsaw groups are cooperative lessons. This means that students take accountability for not only their work, but also their groups learning. Individual accountability teaches students to own up to their responsibilities and time management skills. To promote individual accountability teachers could assign roles to every group member, keep groups small, and check for understanding.
     Face to face interaction allows students to practice their social skills and learn how to communicate respectfully with one another. This includes hand gestures, body language and other personal appearances. This allows students to practice hearing other opinions and being open minded. Students will be solving problems and listening to one another as well. Teachers should go over the rules for group work and how to treat classmates at first so every one knows.
      Group processing is when the group reviews and evaluates each other and their own groups and decides how to make their presentations better for next time. Students work together, get feedback from teachers, and reflect off each others ideas during group processing. The four parts of group processing include: feedback, reflection, improvement goals, and celebration.
      
This is a link to my PowerPoint presentation on positive interdependence.

TThis is a video that shows positive interdependence used in the classroom.