Cooperative learning and social constructivism go hand in hand, in my opinion. Four key ideas of cooperative learning are using a variety of criteria to group students, using informal, formal, and base groups, keeping the groups to a manageable size, and combining cooperative learning with other classroom structures (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M. & Malenoski, K.). According to Dr. Michael Orey, social constructivism is collaboration and interactions that occur as students are engaged in constructing something and conversing with others. The conversations that happen help students understand what they are doing (Laureate Education, Inc.).
Technology can help aide cooperative learning and social constructivism. Technology can facilitate group collaboration, provide structure for group memebrs, and can allow a group to work together even if they are not face to face (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M. & Malenoski, K.). I can remember when I was in high school and had a group project. We would all communicate through instant messenger to designate roles and get our work done. We were also able to bounce ideas off each other this way and keep working outside of school. Cooperative learning and social constructivism are two great methods to use to help our students learn these vital 21st century skills.
Ahh, the good ol' days of instant messenger! I feel old. It may make us feel instantly aged, but you are right. With group projects students are now able to communicate in several different ways. Webcams and text messaging are two avenues that come to mind pretty quick. Bouncing ideas off of each other is a great skill that students need to know and learn. They also learn in the process that everything will not be spoon fed to them as a result, they will have to learn as they go. Social learning and cooperative learning go hand in hand, and they take students on a positive path.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny, I text all the time but it never occurred to me that students could work together this way as well. Students are always texting, and I am sure that when they work together in groups, this is they way they communicate when they are not physically together. Web cams are nice too so other members can see a poster for instance, that the group is working on to give their input.
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