Cooperative+Learning



As any educator can tell you: every student has a unique learning style. Why then are assessments and projects so rigidly structured around traditional models? Paper-pencil assessments continue to be the norm in most school districts. According to Meyer and Rose (2002), “ Most current assessments are not designed to accommodate individual differences. Generally, educators have interpreted ‘fairness’ to mean that assessments are uniform in format and administered in a standardized fashion; the same test is given in exactly the same way and under the same conditions for each learner.” (//Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age//).

We have entered into the 21st century, in which the student generation is much more technology oriented. In order to better prepare our students for the future, educators must restructure how learning occurs in the classroom. The focus of student learning should not rely solely on the teacher’s knowledge, although it can serve as a starting point. There are several strategies that can be used to change teacher-directed learning into student-centered approaches this includes cooperative learning.



According to Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, and Pitler, “The instructional strategy of cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance student learning” (//Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works//). If student learning is the ultimate goal, then facilitating learning by allowing students to construct their own knowledge is a key point. In order to improve academic instruction, cooperative learning groups should be used, as well as, computer-based assessments and mini-projects; thus, allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge through a different form.

To learn more about cooperative groups and project based learning click on the following link. []