Cooperative Language Learning Essay

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Cooperative Language Learning

Origin and Definition
Drawing heavily on the work of developmental psychologists Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky advocates of Cooperative Language Learning maintain that social interaction plays a central role in language learning (Richards, 194). Cooperative Language learning is defined as students spending most of their time w2orking in small groups of up to 6 students. The students are divided up into small groups and learning takes place through peer teaching, joint problem solving, brainstorming, and varied interpersonal communication and individual study monitored by peers. Learning is structured so that the group is motivated to ensure that their peers have mastered the material or achieved the instructional goal so that a process of cooperation is generated (Finchpark).

Purpose
Cooperative Language Learning seeks to develop classrooms that foster cooperation rather then competition, which is believed to lower the learner’s stress (195). According to Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis, some people who are exposed to a large amount of comprehensible input are unable to acquire language because their affective filter, which is triggered by anxiety or negative attitudes, filters out input (Lightbrown, 106). By emphasizing cooperation rather then competition it is believed that learner’s becomes more receptive to input. Cooperation also allows learners to accomplish shared goals. By doing so individuals seek out outcomes beneficial to themselves and all other group members, maximizing their own and each others learning (Richards,195). McGroaty (1989) states that cooperative language learning offers “1. Increased frequency and variety of second language practice through different types of ...

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...eadth or depth of coverage. Some other criticisms of cooperative learning are the presence of hitch hikers, students who may be too shy, passive, or unmotivated to get involved with the group, or dominant personalities that inhibit group work as when their high standards or intense involvement excludes their teammates. Some students may not participate if they believe it will negatively impact the group grade. In order to remedy this some methods to encourage participation would be to assign roles. This gives the student a responsibility and also it would be the responsibility of other group members to involve him. Changing group dynamics be changed by increasing interdependence, social skills procedure, processing and individual accountability may also improve the situation. If all else fails it may be best to break up the group and let some people work alone.

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