Cooperative learning

Cooperative Learning:
Descriptions of Some Commonly Used Techniques
SIMPLE STRUCTURES
Think-Pair-Share
This is a four-step discussion strategy that incorporates wait time and aspects ofcooperative learning. Students (and teachers) learn to LISTEN while a question is posed, THINK (without raising hands) of a response, PAIR with a neighbor to discuss responses, and SHARE their responses withthe whole class. Time limits and transition cues help discussion move smoothly. Students are able to rehearse responses mentally and verbally, and all students have an opportunity to talk. Bothstudents and teachers have increased opportunities to think and become involved in group discussion. (Lyman)
Three-Step Interview
This involves structured group activity with students. Usinginterviews/listening techniques that have been modeled, one student interviews another about an announced topic. \"en time is up, students switch roles as interviewer and interviewee. Pairs then join to form groupsof four. Students take turns introducing their pair partners and sharing what the pair partners had to say. This structure can be used as a teambuilder, and also for opinion questions, predicting,evaluation, sharing book reports, etc. (Kagan)
Roundtable
Roundtable can be used for brainstorming, reviewing, or practicing while also serving as a teambuilder. Sequential form: Students sit in teamsof 3 or more, with one piece of paper and one pencil. The teacher asks a question which has multiple answers. Students take turns writing one answer on the paper, then passing the paper and pencilclockwise to the next person. When time is called, teams with the most correct answers are recognized. Teams reflect on their strategies and consider ways they could improve. Simultaneous form: Eachstudent starts a piece of paper, writes one answer, and passes it, so several papers are moving at once. (Kagan)
Numbered Heads Together
This structure is useful for quickly reviewing objective...