Examples of Cooperative Learning Structures
Think-Pair-Share:
Students think of the answer, pair up with a partner, and then share and provide feedback to each other.
+
Think-Pair-Share provides “Think Time.”
+
All students have the opportunity to share.
Numbered
Heads Together: Students in small groups are assigned a number (1,2,3
etc) and then the teacher asks a question. The students discuss the solution
and all students will know the answer. Teacher calls a number and that “numbered
head” responds.
+ Perfect
for reviewing basic facts and information.
+
All students have the opportunity to share.
Line
Up: Using specific information (i.e. a timeline of events in American History), the students “line up”
to visually sequence the information.
+ Helps
develop sequencing skills
+ Great
for Visual and Bodily-Kinesthetic learners!
Corners:
4 Categories are outlined, i.e. Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, and Protein. Students
are given cards with information on them, i.e. apple, carrot, rice, peanuts. Students
choose which category their information best fits and places the information in the “corner.”
+ Develops
categorization and classification skills
+ Show relationships
between concepts
Pairs
Match: Items that match are handed out to students, i.e. opposites, word + picture, etc. Students find their “pair.”
Jigsaw
II: Form groups of 4 students (Home Group) and then number off (Expert Groups). Expert
Groups each learn a separate topic. The Home Group forms again so that each “expert”
can teach the others.
+ Interaction
and communication
+ Researching
a topic from different points of view
Essential Elements of Cooperative Learning
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Positive Interdependence
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Individual Accountability
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Social Skills
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Group Processing
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Team/Class Building
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Structures