Students will naturally want to socialize with their peers. Instead of denying them the opportunity to do so, I try to provide them with time to do it in a meaningful way. On a weekly basis, my students do labs in my science classes and must collaborate in order to solve problems and use the scientific method to learn more about the topic being taught. I have found that students will begin to tune out the teacher if the method of lecturing is used too often. I also believe that students will retain information longer and with better understanding if they learn through doing. Often times the labs can be done using computers and lab equipment that will help students prepare for a job using technology or in a research lab.
Another method that I have used that requires technology and the "jigsaw" method of instruction involves powerpoint. A unit that I have the students do deals with the human body. Students know that they will be tested on the different organs and body systems. The students are allowed to choose an organ or organ system (depending on how complex the organ might be) and then they must research that organ. They are then responsible to present the information to the class. By doing this project the students must be able to do research using technology. They must know how to create effective powerpoint presentations. They have to decide what information is important and teach it to their classmates. They have added responsibility and ownership because they know that the entire classes grades rely on them effectively presenting the organ that they have been assigned.
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Mark,
ReplyDeletePeople are constantly learning from others. Our students' peers can be an awesome resource for information if they work cooperatively. Research has shown that students learn more if they are actively engaged in their learning and Orey (2007) tells us the main purpose of cooperative learning is to get our students actively engaged in their education.
Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, the authors of Using Technology with Classroom Technology that Works, suggest a few methods to get our students working together
(140). My favorite of these methods is the cooperative multimedia project. Of course rubrics are given and students are given responsibility to create the project among themselves. I really like how students are given or choose roles for what they intend to do in the project. This gives structure to the project. Another thing that correlates is having students work on a project like this will make them work together and achieve success together. They will be accountable to one another and in turn, help each other learn.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
~Retta
Mark~Teaching science, don't you find it is easy, and sometimes necessary to use the cooperative groups? I know every lab I teach has to be done in groups because of resources. I use inquiry method as my primary instructional "method", if you will, so I basically let them fly on their own to solve the problem presented. I find the cooperative learning becomes the only way for them to work out the solution, right or wrong. I appreciate the effort they put in to the answers and allow for individual and group scores, so those on the shirt-tails are only credited where necessary.
ReplyDeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteScience labs are perfect for cooperative groups and I really like your jigsaw approach. I also like how you have students work independently and then present to the group. This leads to some real responsibility.
John