Student Teacher - Page 2
What are Co-operative learning structures?
Structures are easy to learn, content free, series of repeatable steps that you
can use with a class, every lesson. There are different structures for different
things, e.g. Problem solving, discussion work, revision etc,
What are the benefits to using Kagan cooperative learning?
There are many well documented and researched benefits to Kagan cooperative learning.
Cooperative efforts result in students striving for mutual benefit so that all group
members:
- Gain from each other's efforts. (Your success benefits me and my success benefits
you.)
- Recognise that all group members share a common fate. (We all sink or
swim together here.)
- Know that one's performance is mutually caused by oneself
and one's team members. (We can not do it without you.)
- Feel proud and jointly celebrate when a group member is recognised for achievement.
(We all congratulate you on your accomplishment!).
Academic
Benefits:
- It promotes critical thinking.
- It involves students actively in the learning process.
- Classroom results are improved.
- It models appropriate student problem solving techniques.
- Large lectures can be personalised.
- It can facilitate ‘Deep Learning’.
- It is especially helpful in motivating students in specific curriculum.
- It develops learning communities.
Psychological Benefits:
- Student centered instruction increases students' self esteem.
- Cooperation reduces anxiety.
- It helps develop positive attitudes towards teachers.