Cooperative Learning Research Proposal
Running Head: COOPERATIVE LEARNING AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Abstract
The researcher, School District. The purpose of this research is to determine whether an interdependence model of cooperative learning will improve student achievement, when compared to a cooperative learning model that uses student jobs. Cooperative learning processes are being used throughout the country on every level as a method of improving student learning as a medium to teach these desired characteristics. The goals of this teaching strategy are to create positive interdependence, individual accountability, face-to-face interaction, and cooperative skills (Johnson 1984). The teacher's role in structuring cooperative learning is multifaceted, where the teacher becomes more of a facilitator rather than a giver of all knowledge. Common demands of a teacher employing cooperative learning techniques include creating situations that involve clearly specifying lesson objectives, placing students in productive learning groups and providing appropriate materials, clearly explaining the cooperative goal structure, monitoring students, and evaluating performance. Therefore, schools must implement many components of cooperative learning into their curriculum.
Introduction
The researcher conducting this study is a fifth grade teacher for the _________. The school district has a strong philosophy regarding how students learn best. Teachers and teacher assistants receive training in many areas that relate to the districts philosophy regarding academic success. During the three years the researcher has worked in the School District, he has received training in Essential Elements of Instruction, multiple intelligences, learning styles, and differentiated instruction and assessment. Teachers in the district are expected to differentiate their instruction in order to best meet the needs of all learners. Some students are visual learners, so teachers must be sure to use visual aids, such as the
Abstract
The researcher, School District. The purpose of this research is to determine whether an interdependence model of cooperative learning will improve student achievement, when compared to a cooperative learning model that uses student jobs. Cooperative learning processes are being used throughout the country on every level as a method of improving student learning as a medium to teach these desired characteristics. The goals of this teaching strategy are to create positive interdependence, individual accountability, face-to-face interaction, and cooperative skills (Johnson 1984). The teacher's role in structuring cooperative learning is multifaceted, where the teacher becomes more of a facilitator rather than a giver of all knowledge. Common demands of a teacher employing cooperative learning techniques include creating situations that involve clearly specifying lesson objectives, placing students in productive learning groups and providing appropriate materials, clearly explaining the cooperative goal structure, monitoring students, and evaluating performance. Therefore, schools must implement many components of cooperative learning into their curriculum.
Introduction
The researcher conducting this study is a fifth grade teacher for the _________. The school district has a strong philosophy regarding how students learn best. Teachers and teacher assistants receive training in many areas that relate to the districts philosophy regarding academic success. During the three years the researcher has worked in the School District, he has received training in Essential Elements of Instruction, multiple intelligences, learning styles, and differentiated instruction and assessment. Teachers in the district are expected to differentiate their instruction in order to best meet the needs of all learners. Some students are visual learners, so teachers must be sure to use visual aids, such as the
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