How to teach Cooperative Skills
Cooperative learning is a form of small-group instruction where students work in a social setting to solve problems. Teaching cooperative skills can be a great way to help children and adults learn how to communicate and interact with one another in a respectful, productive way. Let me show how to teach cooperative skills and not die in the attempt 🙂
Tips and Ideas
- Start with an open-ended discussion about the importance of cooperation. Talk to the group about why it’s essential to work together to achieve a common goal.
- Introduce the concept of “win-win” situations. For example, explain that when we work together, both parties can benefit, and everyone will be better off.
- Model good cooperative behavior. For instance, show the group how to take turns, share resources, and listen to each other’s ideas.
- Provide opportunities for collaboration. Create a project that requires cooperation between the group members. Play cooperative games and encourage your group to brainstorm, work together, and solve problems!
- Set expectations for cooperative behavior. Establishing ground rules for cooperative behavior can ensure that everyone is on the same page. A few examples of ground rules could include: speaking one at a time, listening to each other, respecting each other’s opinions and ideas, and taking turns. It may also be helpful to discuss the importance of cooperation and how it can benefit the group. Additionally, it may be beneficial to provide positive reinforcement when someone follows the ground rules, as this can help to reinforce the desired behaviors.
- Encourage positive reinforcement. This is a great way to reinforce desired behaviors, as it shows appreciation and builds self-esteem. It can be as simple as a verbal “Good job”, or a reward system, such as a sticker to encourage and motivate children to do something well.
Assigning Group Roles
When students have different roles in a group, we maximize learning. These are the roles I usually give to my learners! It is essential to rotate roles so everyone can perform different tasks within the group.
- The facilitator moderates the discussion, makes sure that everyone has a chance to contribute, and keeps the group on task.
- The Spokesperson presents the group’s ideas to the rest of the class.
- The Organizer checks that the material is organized and monitors time.
- The checker ensures the project/activity is aligned with the rubrics/assessment criteria.
Teaching cooperative skills is a great way to help everyone learn how to work together as a team. With practice and patience, the group can learn how to communicate effectively, share resources, and reach a common goal.
Download HERE a FREEBIE with games to develop cooperation among your learners!
Happy Teaching!
