Cooperative Learning| Positive Interdependence
Positive Interdependence is a key element of cooperative learning. Positive Interdependence simply means that the students must work together to achieve the goal. The students depend on each other for support, guidance, information, resources etc. This may mean that the talent each student possesses complements the talents of the other students within the group so the group may effectively support each other. This may also be that students are assigned roles that have specific jobs that are designed to be reliant on one another. Each student is indispensable within the group. When students are engaged in activities that require positive interdependence, if one student fails to do their part, the rest of the group will not be able to effectively meet the goal. With positive interdependence the students either sink or swim together!
Here are some ideas for developing activities that promote positive interdependence.
- Student Roles: Students are assigned specific roles that require each individual to complete part of the task, review part of the resources, develop a section of the materials, etc. that are critical to the success of the whole group.
- Peer Review: Students provide constructive feedback on each other’s assignments.
- Group Project: Students work together to complete one project. It is crucial that each students is able to explain the concept behind the project, the groups goals for the project, and a mastery of the standards.
Cooperative Learning
I teach 6th grade ELA and the one thing that 6th graders love to do is talk and socialize. So, I use that to my advantage through collaborative groups and learning. My students work in groups on just about everything in my classroom. Using all of their ideas, knowledge and cooperation, they are able to learn much more than if I were to lecture them and give them just one viewpoint. I have also seen some of my quiet, introverted students become leaders and gain confidence from working in groups. Everyone has a role and must do their part to make it work well. I have also found that when peer editing their writing, the students are much harder on each other than I am. However, they take the criticism and work on writing a better paper. It’s like positive peer pressure. Everyone learns more including me!