Social Learning Theory is very evident in my classroom. Dr. Orey describes a characteristic of Social Learning Theory as when students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversation with others about what they are building (Laureate, 2009). In this week's resources, we learned about an intructional learning theory called Cooperative Learning. Cooperative learning focuses on having students interact in groups in ways that enhance learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). When students interact in these groups they are showing evidence of Social Learning Theory.
Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works gives many examples of resources and ideas to use when implementing cooperative learning groups in your classroom. When my students are working on a project or doing research, many times I have them work together in groups. I usually base the groups on ability, but sometimes will mix it up and have a variety of ability levels in the group. Students work together to research a specific topic and then create some type of artifact to share with the class. Having students work in these groups allows them to actively engage in constructing and conversing, which is the basis of Social Learning Theory.
Just recently my students completed and project on animal habitats. I assigned groups of 3 or 4 and the students researched a specific habitat on the Internet in our classroom. They each took a part to research. For example if the habitat was the forest, one student researched animals in the forest, one researched shelter, and one researched food. They put all of their data together and created a poster with the information and shared it with the class.
Having students work in collaborative groups allows them to create a social environment in our classroom where they can work together and depend on one another.
Here is the link to my Voice Thread. voicethread.com/share/1197609
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I like the theory of cooperative learning, however, this is a skill that takes much training. If students are taught from early on what cooperative learning is and how to do it, it can be more successful with older students. I suppose my school does not do a very good job with this. Many of my weaker students are willing to do nothing in a group setting and let the stronger students carry the load (even though each group member has a job to do). My wish is that by the time the students come to me in grade 7, they have been exposed to much cooperative learning. Starting with this idea at the age of 12 or 13 makes the learning curve a hard one.
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree on the use of groups in the classroom furthering social learning. I always found I did better when I had others to feed off of. While it is definitely important to learn on an individual basis, I find it is much more useful as a student to learn in a group setting.
Abby,It is great that you have already started using cooperative learning in your classroom. I find that using group work helps my students bond and then they all want to do well together. It even spills over into disipline, my students will calm one another down or talk each other into behaving.
ReplyDeleteI share the same problem as you shared in your VoiceThread. Unfortunately, there is not much in our control when the internet connection is lost. This sounds like an issue that you may want to address at a PTO meeting and bring it to the attention of the parents. In my school system, the only way positive changes are made is when the parents complain enough. In my opinion, the first step would be to find out from the system why the internet is not working, such as a weak connection. Maybe your school could get more lines run to the school to provide a stronger internet connection.
ReplyDeleteEither way, it is always important to have a back-up plan when using technology. Take this time to explain to students how they can use other informational resources to find what they need. I was amazed to see this year how little my students knew about using a thesaurus or an index. Good luck in your future interactions using technology in your classroom.
I use cooperative learning groups in my class as well. My students are young and I find that they gain much needed social and problem solving skills along with knowledge when they work together.
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