by Myki Williamson, Professional Learning Specialist
Standard #4: Teaching for Critical Thinking
Quality Indicator:3: Cooperative Learning
Quality Indicator:3: Cooperative Learning
Cooperative Learning is an
excellent way to reinforce the 3 C’s (Collaborate, Communicate, and Critically Think)
while also teaching required content. No matter the grade level you teach,
selecting an appropriate structure can engage your students in all three
capabilities. As Spencer Kagan (2009)
notes, “We want both critical and creative thinking to become habits of mind in
our students. We use critical thinking as we reflect on ideas….and creative
thinking as we generate ideas” (p. 6.18).
The advantage of using
Cooperative Learning to instill these habits of mind is the filter of P.I.E.S.
in each structure. As we support all
students in becoming critical and creative thinkers, Positive Interdependence, Individual
Accountability, Equal Participation,
and Simultaneous Interaction ensure
active participation from all our students. When teachers create a classroom
culture based on cooperation and collaboration, students feel safe to share
their creativity and thinking with each other, and the results last a lifetime. After all, “Lessons are one-time events, but
any skill not repeatedly practiced does not become a habit of mind. Changing how we teach actually results in
better acquisition of…any thinking skill than does changing what we teach” (Kagan,
2009, p. 6.18).
So, as you consider ways to
engage your students in all of the capabilities simultaneously, what structures
might you choose this week to help develop these habits of mind? Here are a few
ideas from your Cooperative Learning text to get you started:
Critical Thinking-
Analyzing: Match Mine (6.28), Same-Different
(10.23-10.25)
-
Deducing: Timed-Pair-Share (6.38), Inside-Outside Circle(6.27),
Numbered Heads Together (6.30)
-
Problem
Solving: RallyCoach (6.32), Jigsaw
Problem solving (17.5)
- Brainstorming:
Jot Thoughts (6.28)
-
Questioning:
Fan-N-Pick (6.25), Team Interview (10.8)
- Symbolizing: Formations (9.5, 9.16, , Think-Draw-RoundRobin (variation of 6.33)
- Synthesizing: RoundRobin(6.33), Team Projects (Chapter 13), Team Statements (10.36)
Kagan, S., & Kagan, M.
(2009). Kagan cooperative learning. San
Clemente, CA: Kagan Publishing.
