COOPERATIVE LEARNING TO LEARN TO COOPERATE

COOPERATIVE LEARNING TO LEARN TO COOPERATE

Cooperative Learning is an approach, even tough some authors called it a method. “cooperative learning is an approach to teaching that makes maximum use of cooperative activities” (Richards & Rodgers, 2001).

As a method according  to Coffey (2004), Cooperative learning is an instructional method in which students work together in small and heterogeneous groups to complete a problem, project, or other instructional goal, while teachers act as guides or facilitators.

Know concepts about cooperative learning. Know implications of cooperative learning into a

classroom

Analyze how the teacher using cooperative learning could stimulate in his or her students to learn a foreign language.

GOALS

There are many ways to learn a new language; some students can learn by themselves others need teacher support.

Cooperative learning as an alternative to teach a foreign language using the student’s group skills.

The students are more effective interpersonally as a result of working cooperatively.

INTRODUCTION

CURRENT ENGLISH IN COLOMBIA

The English language in the Colombian context, specifically in schools, is developed as a subject that is part of the curriculum and it is taught out of the reality of the students.

It is necessary that teachers create spaces of constant interaction with the language, in the classroom, in educational institutions.

It is not a secret that in Colombia,  English language teaching still has many weaknesses given that national plans for education of the same is presented in a way out of context divorced from the daily reality of students living.

   

CURRENT METHODOLOGIES FOR TEACHING ENGLISH

English language not only represents the way that talk in

a country also represents their culture and exchanges

that occur inside them.

There are several methodologies for  teaching the

English language, but it is important that teachers today

have enough knowledge in these theories and methods.

COOPERATIVE LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM

There are many ways to develop a class;

According to the objectives that the teacher wants that students might achieved by themselves.

The concept that teachers have of themselves.

The strategies that the teacher uses to teach.

The concept that the teacher has about knowledge.   

ROLES IN THE CLASSROOM

Lerner roles Teacher’s roles• Teacher as a instructional

designer.

•  Teacher as a cognitive mediator.

• Teacher as instructor.

• Be responsible with learning.

• Be motivated to learn.

• Be collaborative. They understand that learning is social.

• Be strategic. Continually develop and refine learning and problem solving strategies.

ORGANIZATION OF THE

CLASSROOM One of the goals of cooperative learning is to teach students initiative and self-reliance.

Materials should then be made available so students do not need to search for them or ask the teacher for help

Cooperative learning is not the only way to teach a foreign language  but the teacher should know different methods and approaches to support his/her praxis.  Also the teacher must focus on student’s  necessity to create a good atmosphere.

Cooperative learning with other approaches represents an alternative to improve teaching learning processes in the Colombians classrooms.

CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES

Coffey, H. (2004). Cooperative Learning.

Recuperado de http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4653

Coleman, J. (1959) (1961). The Adolescent Society. New York: Free Press of Glencoe. Recuperado de http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4653

Kagan, S. (1989). The structural approach to cooperative learning. Educational Leadership. Recuperado de http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4653

Richard, J. & Rodgers, T. (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching. New york, USA, Cambridge University Press

Slavin, R. (1996). Research on Cooperative Learning and Achievement: What We Know, What We Need to Know. Recuperado de: http://www.konferenslund.se/pp/TAPPS_Slavin.pdf