Endadded Begins Essay

Collaborative activities are most often based on four principles.added ends added begins# The ladded endsadded beginsearner is the primary focus of instruction.added ends added begins# Interaction between teacher and students.added ends added begins#Working in groups is an important mode of learning.added ends added begins# Structured approaches to developing solutions to the real worlds problems should be incorporated into learning. added ends added beginsCollaborative learning teams are said to attain higher level thinking and preserve information for longer times than students working individually.added ends added beginsMany consider Vygotsky the father of “social learning”. Vygotsky was an education rebel in many ways. Vygotsky controversially argued for educators to assess students’ ability to solve problems, rather than knowledge acquisition. The idea of collaborative learning has a lot to do with Vygotsky’s idea of the “zone of proximal development”. It considers what a student can do if aided by peers and adults. By considering this

added beginsConsider the learning process itself as part of assessment.added endsadded begins added endsadded beginsMany studies such as those by Robert Slavin at Johns Hopkinsadded endsadded begins have considered how cooperative learning helps children develop social and interpersonal skills. Experts have argued that the social and psychological effect on self-esteem and personal development are just as important as the learning itself. In terms of assessment, it may be beneficial to grade students on the quality of discussion, engagement, and adherence to group norms. Praise younger groups for following collaborative learning standards. This type of learning is a process and needs explicit instruction in beginning stages. Assessing the process itself provides motivation for students to learn how to behave in groups. It shows students that you value meaningful group interactions and adhering to norms.added