Collaborative Learning (Grouping) in the Classroom

All of the following information is taken from Dr. Spencer Kagan's book, Cooperative Learning, Kagan Cooperative Learning, P.O. Box 72008, San Clemente, CA 92674. Phone: 1-800-933-2667. Reprinted with permission of Kagan Cooperative Learning.

Cooperative learning is learner-focused and requires interaction among students that is not a sequential structure. In traditional classrooms, students respond to questions or probes from the teacher one after another in a sequence. Cooperative learning groups provide many more opportunities for all students to participate and respond. For cooperative learning groups to work, a different monitoring and management system must be put in place.

Kagan Cooperative Learning is based on four basic principles called PIES. The acronym stands for: Positive Interdependence, Individual Accountability, Equal Participation, and Simultaneous Interaction. In order for cooperative learning groups to be effective, all four of the basic principles must be present. It is through PIES that groups are managed and assessed.

Basic Principles

Positive Interdependence

This occurs when success of an individual or team is positively correlated. If success for one student is connected to the success of other students, the individuals are positively interdependent. The same idea can be applied to teams in the classroom. When there is strong positive interdependence, there exists strong motivation of team members to make sure each person is successful.

Individual Accountability

In order for each student to be accountable for his/her work and contributions, there must be methods to assess individual work and/or contributions. This may take different forms. One method is task accountability. The group's performance is based on the individual's contributions. Each student receives a grade on his/her portion of the team project or product and the contribution of each individual is made known to the team.

Equal Participation

Equal participation may be created by using turn allocation or division of labor. Turn allocation establishes a norm or expectation of participation—all students are given an opportunity to participate and are expected to contribute during their turn. Keep in mind, the turn allocation is taking place among several groups simultaneously. Division of labor makes each student responsible for part of the task and equalizes participation because every member has a task.

Structures

Many structures exist in Kagan Cooperative Learning and each has a different use and usefulness. Depending on the activity and the expected outcome, one structure may be better than another. Knowledge of structures and the implementation of those structures require understanding and practice.

Thinking Skills Structures

Think-Pair-Share

A problem is posed, students think alone about the question for a specified amount of time, then form pairs to discuss the question with someone in the class, usually a teammate. During the share time, students are called upon to share with the class as a whole.

Round Robin

Students take turns stating answers or ideas without recording them. Round Robin can be used with children too young to write or when participation rather than a product is the goal.

Jigsaw

Each student on the team specializes in one aspect of the learning unit and in turn meets with students from other teams with the corresponding aspect. After mastering the material each returns to the team to teach his/her teammates. There are multiple Jigsaw variations.

Trade A Problem

Each student on a team makes up a review problem and writes it on a flashcard. The side of the card with the question is marked with a "Q"; the side of the card with the answer is an "A." Teams simply trade problems with another team.

Assigning Roles

Roles in Kagan Cooperative Learning include the following:

• Checker—checks for understanding and agreement;
• Praiser/Encourager—Praises effort and ideas;
• Recorder—Records ideas and decisions;
• Taskmaster—Brings the team back to the task;
• Gatekeeper—Makes sure all participate (no bully, no loafer);
• Reporter—Shares with other teams, the class, and the teacher.