Cooperative Learning Environment Questions Research (Coursework Sample)

Cooperative Learning Environment
Student Name
Institution
Cooperative Learning Environment
In high school, we used to have one-hour remedial lessons. Considering that the standard time allocated for each class is between 35 to 40 minutes, one-hour lessons always proved difficult for use to cooperate. Our biology teacher had figured out a way to ensure that we cooperate throughout the lesson using transitions. It is hard for students to cooperate for a long time, and they get carried away when bored. Therefore, the teacher would transition from the theory classes to practical lessons, which was exciting and motivating at the same time (Evertson & Emmer, 2013). The teacher would also ask speed test questions in between the lessons. The oral speed tests were useful since we became attentive and paid attention. In the transition, the teacher would set an alarm clock, which indicated when the speed test period began. It lasted for 10 minutes, during which he would ask random questions one what he had just taught. The switching from theory to practical lesson was ineffective since it was almost impossible to remember any pending questions on the theory part that one might have had before the transition. Therefore, the strategy affected the continued learning process, which is necessary for one to understand fully what the lesson is about. If I was to change the approach, I could use group discussions as transitions. I could teach for half the lesson time, then pose a group discussion question. All students would be attentive since the discussion question will be related to what I have just taught.
Cooperative learning does not imply students working in groups or helping each other complete tasks. It is about students working as a team and learning new ideas together. It is important that in the group they share roles and responsibilities; otherwise there will be no purpose for the group. Therefore, to prepare students for transitions during the lessons with the aim of enhancing cooperative learning, I would start by introducing them to the activities before they begin. The first step would be to ensure that they are well acquainted. The second phase would be to identify possible group activities, which can take a short time to complete. Thirdly, I would determine the objectives of the group activities, and the interests. Fourthly, it is important to identify the number of students who should be in each group. The work involved in the cooperative learning determines to a large extent the number of students who should be assigned to each group (Evertson & Emmer, 2013). I would also dete...