Use named cooperative learning structures adapted to adult classrooms, including Student Team Learning, Think-Pair-Share, Jigsaw, Teaming Together, and Group Investigation¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The handbook catalogs the most commonly used cooperative learning structures and advises teachers that knowing the concept matters more than the exact name. Think-Pair-Share lets individuals think alone, pair to discuss, then share with the whole group, and "allows the shy person to gain confidenceby just sharing with one other person instead of a wholegroup." Jigsaw, originally designed by Elliot Aronson, uses home teams and expert representatives; Student Team Learning adds team goals and inter-team competition with individual scores based on improvement; Teaming Together suits group essays and problem solving; Group Investigation has small groups divide subtopics into individual tasks.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Jigsaw is not advisable to use until the teacher has some experience with cooperative learning
• Teachers should know the concept of the structure rather than the exact name

Constraints¶

• The handbook is unsure about the effectiveness of Student Team Learning in adult learning situations because of the competition component and the uncertainty of adults' attendance in ABLE programs
• Group Investigation is effective where an entire class studies the same topic, which is often not the case in ABLE programs

Target Learners¶

• Adult basic education learners
• Adult ESL learners
• GED students

Target Learning Goals¶

• Participation of shy learners
• Efficient dissemination of information
• Group problem solving and content learning

Related Strategies¶

• Implement cooperative learning with real problems, slow growth, team building, a safe environment, teacher modeling, mixed academic levels, and a teacher shift from directing to facilitating
• Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies
• Numbered Heads Together
• Task Force Teams of Inquiry
• Cooperative Classroom Activities
• Cooperative Learning Activities

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• You Can Be in a Group and Still Not Cooperate: Collaborative Approaches and Cooperative Learning Activities for Adult Learners. (1993). Parma City School District. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED361492