Cooperative Learning Strategies

Benefits of Cooperative Learning for

students with Learning Disabilities

What is cooperative learning?

Reduces peer competition

Reduces isolation
Promotes academic achievement
Promotes positive interrelationships
between students with learning
disabilities and their peers
Promotes communication skills
Promotes sharing
Promotes group thinking and problem
solving
Promotes contribution/input of ideas
Cooperative learning is for teaching core subjects
especially math for ELLs
Specific strategies for English language learners include:

Round Table

Round Robin

Write-around
Numbered Heads Together
Team Jigsaw

Tea Party

According to Larsen-Freeman & Anderson

(2011), Cooperative learning ,involves
students learning from each other in
groups. In Cooperative learning, teachers
teach students collaborative or social
skills so that they can work together more
effectively.

When to use cooperative learning strategies?

Tasks that involve
Critical analysis
Summarizing
Discussion
brainstorming

Who benefits from cooperative learning?

All children including those with a learning

disability especially English language learners

By: Natasha Marin

Andr, A., Deneuve, P., & Louvet, B. (2011). Cooperative Learning in Physical
Education and acceptance of students with learning disabilities. Journal of
applied sport Psychology, 23(4), 474-485.

McMaster, K. N., & Fuchs, D. (2002). Effects of cooperative learning on the

academic achievement of students with learning disabilities: An update of
TateyamaSniezeks review. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 17(2),
107-117.

Piercy, M., Wilton, K., & Townsend, M. (2002). Promoting the social
acceptance of young children with moderatesevere intellectual disabilities
using cooperative-learning techniques. Journal Information, 107(5).

Cooperative Learning Strategies

Procedures for Implementation

Jigsaw-Similar to the name-each students part is seen as a puzzle piece and is

important for completion and understanding of the whole activity.
Numbered Heads Together -Students are placed into a group- each person in the group is
assigned a number. Students think together to figure out answer to given question and
then one number is called upon to answer for the group. (ex: if teacher says # 3 answer for
your group then the #3 person from each group comes forward to deliver the groups
response to the question.)
Think Pair Share -Think Students think independently about question.
Pair- Students get into pairs to discuss thoughts. allows students express ideas and
consider ideas from others.
Share- Student pairs share their ideas with a larger group (ex: each pair shares ideas
with whole class)
Round Robin- Start off with a category (ex. Colors) Then students take turns going around
the group naming items and ideas that fit the category.
Round Table -Start off with one category ( ex: words that begin with letter w) then
students take turns writing one word/idea at a time that fits in to the category.
Write around - Used for creative writing -give a sentence starter (ex: In my back
pack I will take) then have each team of students finish the sentence. Next they
pass their paper to the right, read the paper they received and add a sentence to
that one. After a few rounds a number of creative summaries/stories emerge. Make
sure to give class opportunity to read out loud and write a conclusion to their group
story.

example of a way to start/try cooperative learning

Begin with pairs instead of whole teams.

1. assign math worksheet
2. ask students to work in pairs
3. one student solves the problem while other student acts as coach.
4. have students switch roles for the second problem
5. when students finish second problem then they check their answers with another
group.
6. once both pairs have agreed on the same answers for the problems have them
shake hands.
7. then have them continue to work on the next two problems of the worksheet in
pairs.
8. repeat steps 3-7 until worksheet is completed

Lesson Preparation
Select mathematics and
collaborative objectives to target for
instruction
Plan math activity
Identify ways to promote
cooperative learning
Identify roles
Establish groups

Lesson Instruction
Have students transition quickly after
instruction
Have activities and materials ready
Monitor student progress in groups
Reinforce collaborative behaviors

Lesson Evaluation
Observing students during cooperative
learning activity
Have students complete individual tasks
after cooperative learning activity
Have students engage in group
processing questions

Cooperative Learning Strategies continued

Tea Party-Students stand in two lines or two circles (one inner and one outer)- Give
students a question to discuss with the partner facing them. Then have one line
rotate or the outer circle rotate so that each person is facing a new partner. Then ask
another question. (continue until all questions for activity are asked.)