(LEARNING DESIGN II)
Cooperative Approach:
Today I will be sharing a bit about the cooperative approach to learning: providing a brief overview of its main characteristics along with a discussion on how this approach aligns with the topic of “How to use social media in the classroom effectively.”
The cooperative approach to learning, also referred to as “cooperative learning,” is an instructional strategy that emphasizes collaboration and active participation among students. It often involves organizing students into close groups to work collaboratively on an activity or assignment, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. The primary goal of cooperative learning is to promote both individual learning and group achievement through shared responsibility and mutual support.
Cooperative learning is structured on the basis of positive interdependence while also maintaining individual accountability. Group members rely on each other’s efforts to accomplish learning objectives. Therefore, while each student is responsible for their own learning and understanding, they are also held accountable for their contributions to group activities in order to promote active engagement and participation. Cooperative learning also promotes social skills, group cooperation, and positive interpersonal connections. It provides students with the opportunity to practice open communication, leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, working closely with peers in an educational setting allows students to build positive relationships, trust, and mutual respect, enhancing the overall learning experience.
The cooperative learning approach can be incorporated while creating a lesson on the “effective use of social media in the classroom.” For instance, students can benefit from the collective insights and diverse perspectives of their peers in regards to this topic. Students can develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while actively exploring the potentials and challenges of integrating social media as an educational tool.
For example, cooperative learning could be used in alignment with topic, through active group discussion using different social media platforms. The class could be divided into groups, while each group is assigned a specific social media platform (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook etc.) to explore. In their groups, student could discuss the unique features and potential educational benefits and limitations of their assigned platforms, while sharing their insights and ideas with the rest of the class.
Social media is a tool that allows students to connect, interact, and engage in thoughtful discussion, allowing for group collaboration, sharing of ideas, opinions, and creative expression. It is a great tool for cooperative learning.
In conclusion, the integration of social media into cooperative learning provides several advantages within the classroom environment. It provides students with accessible tools for open communication and active engagement, while allowing them to share creative ideas and discuss important topics. It also opens the door for discussion on the potential benefits and challenges of how it should be used effectively to promote learning.Â