group workings

I was recently directed towards an article titled Coopperative Learning Two Heads Learn Better Than One (Johnson and Johnson, 1988).  After reading this article here is my thinking:

The article describes the different approaches to group work and student interactions.

"There are three basic ways students can interact with each other as they learn. They can compete to see who is "best"; they can work individualistically on their own toward a goal without paying attention to other students; or they can work cooperatively with a vested interest in each other's learning as well as their own."  (Johnson & Johnson, 1988)

Cooperation is at the heart of society.  We must have skills that enable us as individuals to be able to work with others to achieve a common aim.  This penetrates our daily lives at home, in the workplace and in social settings.  The acquisition of skills that can be developed though cooperative learning may be likened to the description of the hidden curriculum whereby there are certain skills, attitudes and expectations that need to be taught alongside the formal curriculum.





With the move to Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland the hidden curriculum is becoming more explicit through the four capacities; successful learners; confident individuals; responsible citizens and effective contributors the holistic view of the learner is taken into account.  The learning experience entails much more than subject knowledge.  Although these elements have formed the basis of our education system for many years it is only now that they are being openly described as such.

The article "Two heads learn better than one" describes the need for effective management of the cooperative learning environment;  "communication, leadership, trust building, and conflict resolution" are the necessary skills for cooperative learning to be successful.  The planning phase, the actual lesson and grouping all need to be considered prior to implementing a cooperative learning scheme.  Careful monitoring of the groups to ensure that the process is to be effective is essential.  There are also links to research that indicates pupils learn more effectively in the cooperative environment. 


When I first read the article I was not so clear on the intention as my mind was unfocused on the process.  Since reading and reflecting on the article I am eager to learn more about cooperative learning and the implementation of cooperative learning in certain areas.  I feel the most important aspect of structuring a learning environment is balance.  If we group work competitively or individualistically as the article describes then we are not providing a broad balance to pupils.