Cooperative Learning...an ongoing adventure/learning experience

The system-wide PD day provided me with another renewal of enthusiasm with regard to using CL in the classroom. Jeff Dane from Kagan spoke to us about the Win Win Discipline program. He modelled CL and management structures, and had us try them and role play. It's so easy to insert the structures into every and any lesson. The one thing that he did remind me of, which I often push to the side, is the importance of teambuilding. I went back to the classroom on Monday and began something called the "Monday Morning Meeting," in which student teams participated in a teambuilding activity, then we discussed some current events. This activity was used in both my grade 12 College and grade 10 Applied history classes. Students in both classes responded very well to it.

Several teachers at our school have agreed to learn and become expert in one CL structure per month for the school year. We chose "Rally Robin" and "Round Robin" first. Once kids see the structures used in different classrooms in different subject, they become experts too. We have 5 departments represented, and will likely increase our membership once fall sports come to a close.

Understanding vs. Coverage (video link)

This video is interesting. It sheds light on the misconception that just because we, as teachers, mention or cover something, doesn't mean that students necessarily learn anything. What's more important: mentioning the entire curriculum, or selecting the most important concepts and skills, and designing activities that will allow students to truly understand, not just remember?

Roland Case Video