READING THREE

Cooperative Learning

Read "Infusing Cooperative Learning into An EFL Classroom" 

1. What do you understand by cooperative learning based on the reading?
2. How Cooperative Learning can be so helpful in an EFL class?
3. Would you apply cooperative learning inside your classroom or if you already apply it does it work? Explain your answer. 

Remember your answer must be one complete paragraph, use complete sentences, correct punctuation, spelling and grammar. Proofread before posting!!

After you answer the prompt, make a comment to one of your classmates´ response.



Remember to write your name at the end of your post. This way I can keep track of who completes the assignment. You have until Monday July 23rd to make your comments. 

Comentarios

  1. Cooperative learning is an instructional method in which learners are put into teams for the sake of reaching a one common learning aim. In some situations, practitioners may think of planning cooperative learning in their classes; they may, merely, put students sit either side-by-side at the same table, talking to each other while doing their individual works, or in a group in which only one learner does the whole work and the others mention their names on the product. These two facets, though essential, do not make cooperative learning perfect; the tutors then, are required to enlighten all what concerns this approach to make it work in EFL grammar classes.
    Instructors can arrange different kinds of interdependence among scholars which in turn determine the way they interact with each other, despite the desired learning aim or the subject being taught is. The type of interdependence relies on
    what goal structure is dominating the classroom. Goal structure is viewed as the state of working cooperatively, competitively or individualistically. Learners can either work individualistically toward a target without paying attention to other students. Competitively where everyone compete with his or her classmate to see who works more. Cooperatively where students work together in teams in order to reach a one common learning goal.

    It was result, putting learners in groups does not necessarily gain a cooperative relationship but an affective application of this approach needs from instructors to be experienced and have a prior knowledge of the essential points of joint efforts.

    By Mercy Cortés

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    Respuestas
    1. I think that is very important That students learn to work in group and communicate with others , every day we can learn something new from another one. and working in groups is a fun way to make students feel secure when they talk with others L2 . Some kids do not like to talk L2 because they do not feel confident with other, that its why kids need to work in groups such as working individually .

      by Kimberly Gutierrez

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    2. according to Kimberly they are very important but it has its obstacles.
      The main obstacles faced by collaborative learning are the resistance to change in the paradigms of teamwork by students, and the good design of tools for the work itself. That is why when designing a collaborative learning environment the following aspects should be taken into account: learning styles, educational models and communication techniques and technologies.

      Learning styles. Not all people learn or generate their knowledge in the same way, that is why they must offer different resources that allow the user to choose the source and the medium of information that best suits them. As well as the correct integration within the work teams and the specific tasks assigned to each member

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    3. according to Kimberly they are very important but it has its obstacles.
      The main obstacles faced by collaborative learning are the resistance to change in the paradigms of teamwork by students, and the good design of tools for the work itself. That is why when designing a collaborative learning environment the following aspects should be taken into account: learning styles, educational models and communication techniques and technologies.

      Learning styles. Not all people learn or generate their knowledge in the same way, that is why they must offer different resources that allow the user to choose the source and the medium of information that best suits them. As well as the correct integration within the work teams and the specific tasks assigned to each member

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  2. Cooperative learning is a method in which students work in small groups to help each other in a good way. Making kids work in groups can be a good way fo kids to learn a second language each kid can have communication with the others memebers of the group , that it is a good way to improve pronunciation and expand their language maybe a student mention a word that other kid does not know it .Cooperative learning make students understand that the contribution of each member is very important in helping the group achieve its goal . Cooperative learning encourage students to find solutions . Students develop a skill of comunication and is an opportunity for groups to work together and for students to talk one another. it gives students a frame work of support for their language learning experience thay will facilitate students confident in learning a second language .
    I will like to have cooperative learning in my class is a motivational and fun way in which students learn by others in a communicative way .

    By Kimberly Gutierrez

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    Respuestas
    1. It is true Kimberly, because in this way we develop in our students to work as a team and thus be able to apply different values ​​such as responsibility and companionship, respect for the criteria of others and, above all, carry out a joint work uniting the knowledge of all.

      By Mercy Cortés

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    2. I agree with you Kimberly ,the purpose of cooperative learning groups is to make each member a stronger individual in his or her right. Students learn together so that they can subsequently perform higher as individuals. ... The fourth essential element of cooperative learning is teaching students the required interpersonal and small group skills.
      Rina Caballero

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  3. 1.What do you understand by cooperative learning based on the reading?

    Cooperative learning refers to a variety of teaching methods in which students work in small groups to help
    one another learn academic content. In cooperative classrooms, students are expected to help each other, to
    discuss and argue with each other, to assess each other’s current knowledge and fill in gaps in each other’s
    understanding.

    2. How Cooperative Learning can be so helpful in an EFL class?
    There several methods which could be adopted from cooperative learning to be applied in the EFL classroom to
    encourage learners to work together to learn, share ideas and help each other to learn Each cooperate
    method has its own characteristics and applicability to different curriculum areas.
    It is suggested that EFL language teachers choose the appropriate cooperative learning method to apply it in their
    classroom to get the most out of it

    3. Would you apply cooperative learning inside your classroom or if you already apply it does it work?
    If I think we should apply them
    I think
    There are several reasons why teachers, in one way or another, have not used collaborative learning as a mechanism to support the teaching-learning process. Among others, the following can be mentioned:

    - Loss of control of the class.

    - Lack of preparation.

    - Fear of losing the coverage of the content.

    - Lack of prepared materials to use in the class.

    - Ego.

    - Resistance of students to collaborative work.

    - Lack of familiarity with some techniques of the collaborative process and the administration of the classes..
    By.silbia Garcia

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    Respuestas
    1. I agree with Silbia, yes, we can apply it but it can have its difficulties at the time of going through your project cause sometimes the studs don't want to work with their peers making your class take you a little bit more of the time required.

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    2. I agree that it might have its difficulties, but I think that one of the best ways that kids learn is by having fun. And the idea of cooperative learning is basically to LEARN to work with their peers, so it's our job to find a way for them to do so, eventhough they dislike working with one of their peers. At the end they will assume their responsabilities and learn and respect ther classmates.

      Sara Rodriguez

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  4. Establishing this method helps the teacher as much as the students since we can make the students work together in an orderly manner since teamwork develops many interpersonal relationships in relation to sharing their experiences in knowledge, so they can correct misunderstood terms and so you learn by using different techniques.

    By Olga Pineda

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  5. Cooperative learning is one of the most noticeable and fertile areas of theory, research and practice in education. It is considered as a system of effective teaching and learning techniques, rather than an approach, in which students are active participants in the process of learning through small group structures as far as they support each other to master the assigned academic content. They go through the process of debating and arguing with each other, assessing one another’s current knowledge as well as filling in gaps in each other’s understanding.
    Extended findings on teacher-student interaction were directed in order to show how teachers should communicate with students and how this affects student’s academic and social outcomes. Whereas, it is not the only type of interaction that takes part in the classroom. In lieu there are other forms including student-student interaction patterns which have many to say about how well students learn, how they feel about school, each other as well as the teacher, and how much self-esteem they have.

    By Olga Pineda

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  6. Cooperative Learning
    Get information on cooperative learning, an instructional strategy in which small groups of students work together on a common task. This teaching method is an excellent way to allow students to think critically without relying on you for answers. Using the strategies included in this resource...such as how to organize cooperative learning groups, guidelines to follow, and teaching techniques and more...your students will learn to work well together and be successful learning.
    The present paper investigates the benefits of cooperative learning and its
    theoretical relevance to EFL classroom. Light will be shade on cooperative learning
    and its aims, levels of cooperative skills, steps in the teaching of cooperative
    skills in addition to focusing on cooperative learning methods which could make
    a difference in the learning process of EFL students.
    The paper concludes that the cooperative learning is an effective teaching strategy for
    both teachers and students since it give positive learning environment for students to
    practice their English. As a result, less time and effort would be exerted by the teacher
    when using this strategy.
    As a teacher I apply cooperative learning and did not realize that it was a strategy and it is very useful to
    Have students work in groups or in partners. Rina Caballero

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  7. My understanding of Cooperative Learning :
    - Cooperative learning is defined as a set of instructional strategies “which employ{s} small teams of pupils to
    promote peer interaction and cooperation for studying academic subjects". Cooperative Learning obviously is not simply putting students together in groups and giving them tasks to do, but an environment in which teachers have to guarantee that the subsequent four elements.

    Cooperative Learning benefits on EFL class :
    - Enhancing learners’ cognitive growth
    - Enhancing learners’ motivation
    - Enhancing learners’ interaction
    Cooperative Learning allows learners the opportunities to process externally, to work with their peers, and to share responsibility for a task.
    In this way students can experience an easy way to solve problems by using different techniques; for example:
    1. Think pair share
    2. Number heads together
    3. Jigsaw
    4. Circle the sage

    Application of Cooperative Learning:
    I have applied it, when they work in pairs or in group work. It works if as a teacher you're on top of your studs as a guide supervising their work. Making sure that the stud that I selected as the coordinator is working in its position. When I select the coordinator sometimes I give the opportunity to those who have low grades in order to make them feel important and for the others to see that their peer is important too. I try to have mixed groups so all of them can share their knowledge and be able to accomplish their goal.

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    Respuestas
    1. Este comentario ha sido eliminado por el autor.

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    2. I also do that, I select as a coordinator a low learner and its true they feel very important and they really do a great job.
      They enjoy working in groups they have fun and learn.

      Karla Amaya

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    3. Great observation on an all the additional benefits that cooperative learning provides within an EFL classroom. Their is a huge impact when students motivate other students to do the work and to try their best, and this is situation is one where they would benefit from this. Having group coordinators is a great way as well to ensure everyone pulls their part in the team. As well as making sure that everyone is constantly on task. I agree with you it is important to have constant supervision around the classroom with all of the different groups.

      - Daniela Gomez

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  8. What I understand about cooperative learning is basically that students will be learning a subject in small groups by doing different kind of activities. This means that the groups will be working to reach the same goal, which is to learn about the subject. To be honest I think it’s a really good strategy in which good students learn to help average students, meaning that if someone in the group is not understanding, the ones that do understand can help them and at the end it’s a way to keep motivated all students in a fun way.
    As I mentioned before, cooperative learning can be helpful in an EFL class by giving responsibilities to students, students learn to work together, they keep motivated since they “sink or swim together”, it creates a strong social support system in which learners feel respected and connected to one another and it helps learners develop conflict management skills in group interaction.
    I apply cooperative learning in my class whenever my students are having trouble with the subject or when I know they could help each other to understand better. I’ve work with jigsaws and puzzles. In Grammar class its nice to see how they work together to solve puzzles of sentences using the correct punctuations. And what is nice about cooperative learning is that we can apply it in any other class.

    Sara Rodriguez

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    Respuestas
    1. I agree with Sara it is a fun way of learning and it keep students motivated and they can be learning by peers and the strong social support system ir a good way and positive way to keep a class going.

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  9. • Cooperative learninig is a great teaching strategy, were small groups of students gather in a team, with different backgrounds and levels of ability, they use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject. They are usually working in a common task and each student is responsible in doing their own part.
    • Cooperative learning it is helpful in EFL class as it strenghthens a social support system I which learners feel respected and connected to one another. Teachers also functions as facilitators and interact with learners while circulating throught the class and observing learners, students also have the chance to learn various social skills; using cooperative learning has positive benefits inside an EFL class.
    • Yes, we do apply cooprtative learning inside the class and it works in a very positive way and children get to practice their english skiils and social skils at well.

    Sylvia Castro.

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  10. Cooperative learning , students work in small groups and promote interaction and cooperation with their classmates by using different techniques on their learning activities. Students learn to work with other students as they reach the same goal.
    Cooperative learning is helpul in EFL class:
    Enhance learners cognitive growth: learning would be more meaningful if learners experiment in their own,
    Enhance learners motivation: increase learners self-confidence, create a pleasant , relaxing atmosphere in the classroom.
    Enhance interaction: use different activities like TPS, Numbered heads together, jigsaw, and circle tha sage.
    I have applied cooperative learning in my classroom. They work in pairs and in small groups and they are learning and having fun at the same time. They help each other when they need it.. They really enjoy working in groups.

    Karla Amaya

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  11. Cooperative Learning is a way where the tradition teacher-learner relationship is shifted; this way of learning is focuses on using other group members as collaborators as part of the learning process. Using this strategy inside your classroom you focus on having students work in small groups all trying to achieve a common goal. They support each others learning in a way that it is being maximized and the goal is being able to be achieved. Since this depends on 4 elements, positive interdependence, individual accountability, quality of group interaction, and teaching social skills, this methodology can be very successful in an EFL classroom. This can work in an EFL class due to the fact that everyone is trying to learn english, so you have the common goal. As well as they are working together to get to this goal, then they all understand that they all have to be responsible for themselves and for their other team members so that they can all be successful. Students as well are interacting and practicing their English skills, making this vital in an EFL class. Not only are they practicing their group interactions, they are building social skills, and are practicing how to effectively work in groups. Using this methodology is a possibility in an EFL classroom, and students if applied correctly can be very successful.

    Personally, in my classroom I do apply cooperative learning although I still think that I need to improve on the team building skills to improve social skills. I have noticed that not all students have enough skills to be able to work in small groups , and this is where I have to improve their working skills.

    - Daniela Gomez

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    Respuestas
    1. I do agree with the idea that the methodology may be applied in an EFL since the common goal is to achieve the learning of a language. Permitting the students to practice the language through socialization. It is helpful to use in class but as Daniela mentions you may encounter problems where you lack students with the abilities needed to form a group because their are students that may tend to rely on others and may decide to not work at all since the believe that the team will respond for all.

      Jimena Diaz del Valle

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  12. it is a team process in which members support and trust each other to achieve a proposed goal to complete a problem, project or other instructional objective, while teachers act as guides. This method works to reinforce the learning of the individual student, as well as the learning of the members of the whole group.
    three concepts that are fundamental for all cooperative learning techniques:
    Students are rewarded as a team but are classified individually.
    The success of the team does not depend conditionally on the individual performance of a student. All students must help each other to achieve the learning objectives.
    All students are expected to improve based on their previous performance, thus ensuring that all students have a tailor made challenge.
    By. Teresa Zelaya

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    Respuestas
    1. This way students are empowered to do things on their own and learn how to solve problems. Besides the fact that they need to learn to work as a team.

      Sindy Amaya

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  13. Cooperative learning is a successful teaching strategy in which small teams, each with students of different levels of ability, use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject or topic. It is really useful in an EFL class, every student learns from their peers and also work as a team to help everyone understand the task besides creating a social interaction. I do apply this strategy, it has a great impact in the students, we can observe how they interact, comunicate, share ideas, help each other, develop social skills among others.

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    Respuestas
    1. Totally agree when you said: "every student learns from their peers" Students are motivated to help one another learn. I really like: Face-to-Face Interaction, students are promoting each others' learning through face-to-face activities where they discuss and explain assignment topics with each other. I love the idea that cooperative learning in the classroom can help students enhance their knowledge to a great extent. It is so awesome that you already apply this strategy. I can't wait to start applying this.
      Jules Drechsel

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  14. 1. What do you understand by cooperative learning based on the reading?
    R/ There are like 3 o 4 definitions but I really like this one: Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning” – The student is the centered learning, not the teacher. In cooperative learning, students work together in small groups on a structured activity. They are individually accountable for their work, and the work of the group as a whole is also assessed. Cooperative groups work face-to-face and learn to work as a team.
    We are smarter together as a group than we are apart as individuals.

    2. How Cooperative Learning can be so helpful in an EFL class?
    R/ Cooperative Learning can be helpful providing the following:
    - Higher achievement.
    - Increased retention.
    - More positive relationships and a wider circle of friends.
    - Greater intrinsic motivation.
    - Higher self-esteem.
    - Greater social support.
    - More on-task behavior.
    - Better attitudes toward teachers.
    - Better attitudes toward school.
    - learners actively participate;
    - teachers become learners at times, and learners sometimes teach;
    - respect is given to every member;
    - projects and questions interest and challenge students;
    - diversity is celebrated, and all contributions are valued;
    - students learn skills for resolving conflicts when they arise;
    - members draw upon their past experience and knowledge;
    - goals are clearly identified and used as a guide;
    - research tools such as Internet access are made available;
    - students are invested in their own learning.
    3. Would you apply cooperative learning inside your classroom or if you already apply it does it work? Explain your answer.
    R/ Yes, definitely I’d apply cooperative learning in my classroom, using cooperative learning strategies such as think-pair-share, and the jigsaw technique encourage peer teaching and brainstorming. After using these 2 method and once the students have all taught their group members their section, I could open it up to the whole class as a discussion of each section to make sure that all students have learned and retained the correct information. To be honest, I haven’t applied any of these cooperative learning strategies, but I can’t wait to put it into practice in my classroom. I know it takes time, but I’m sure my students will love it and must of all they will learn. My Favorite Are; Think-pair and jigsaw.

    By: Julia Drechsel.

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  15. Cooperative learning is a method applied in a classroom to overcome the idea the students must learn by observation and hearing. These traditional forms of teaching tend to create an individualistic sense of being. While, cooperative learning allows a teacher to group students by placing them in small groups trying to create a multicultural and mix of abilities in order to achieve higher experimentation and cognitive skills. Social skills are enhanced and criticism is allowed and accepted by the students. This is completely different if a the students work individually because the classroom is based on competition and who becomes a better a student. Instead of competing students are taught to work as a group towards an objective, where if on member fails the whole group will fail. This also teaches them to understand that solutions to problems may be easily resolved when there are two or more heads involved instead of one. The implementation of cooperative learning in an EFL class may allow a more relaxing environment where students may feel free to commit mistakes. Since that mistake will be used to achieve higher comprehension instead of just criticism and everyone may learn from the mistake this brings down all levels of anxiety. Unluckily i haven't used this type of method un class but similar when trying to build classroom bonding in small group activities but not as a method applied through out the whole class.

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