Getting Started with Cooperative Learning   - by Karl A. Smith Cooperative Learning: Advice for Starting Out Start small and build Group size of 2 or 3 YOU choose the groups Tell students what you're doing and why (inform students before starting) Do something cooperative regularly, build habits of cooperation Keep it short; 5 to 10 minutes and gradually expand time Mention important group behaviors - listening, staying on task, participating, checking for understanding No group projects until students are working well together Monitor the groups: listen, ask questions, clarify; intervene (stop the group) only when absolutely necessary Be patient, be positive, and problem-solve Work with a colleague DON'T give group grades Rule: No student's grade should be lower because of cooperative learning. Evaluation for learning should be individual until you and the students are ready for group grades. Explore alternatives to giving group grades for group work. When Faculty Have Problems, I Check For: Group size of 2 or 3; Members close together Positive Interdependence structured in multiple ways; Individual Accountability clear Criterion-referenced evaluation system; No group grade until fair Lessons short: 5 - 20 minutes Vigorous monitoring to promote academic and teamwork success Teamwork skills emphasized Processing carefully and regularly done Regular meetings with colleagues Johnson, David W., Johnson, Roger T., and Smith, Karl A. 1991. Active learning: Cooperation in the college classroom. Edina, MN: Interaction Book Company, 1991. [Interaction Book Company, 7208 Cornelia Drive, Edina, MN 55435 Telephone 612-831-9500]. Tell me more: A reality check Cooperative learning: Advice for starting out "The finer points of working with groups" An exercise in academic controversy Sample lesson: Dangling by a wire? More about Karl A. Smith

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