The instructional strategies described in this weeks learning resources most definitely correlate with the principals of social learning theories. "When students work in cooperative groups, they make sense of , or construct meaning for, new knowledge by interacting with others (Johnson, Johnson & Stanne, 2000)." The text talk about having a base group or home group for the students to come back to and that this groups remains in effect for the whole school year. It is important for the students to branch out, but at the same time they need to know that they are also responsible for reporting back to a main group. This correlates with real-life as we all work with our teams, but ultimately we are responsible for reporting back to the administration.
The resources that were presented included multimedia, web resources, and communication software. These tools all help students build or construct meaning, either together or alone. The resources all incorporate technology and allow the students to work within their district or branch out into the world. Social learning allows for students to construct materials that aid in their learning ability and cooperative learning helps with that construct ability as well.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M., and Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
"The text talk about having a base group or home group for the students to come back to and that this groups remains in effect for the whole school year. It is important for the students to branch out, but at the same time they need to know that they are also responsible for reporting back to a main group." I really enjoyed reading this quote from your post. I never really thought of group work like this. I like the idea of students always reporting back to a home group but while also branching out to other groups to learn from them. I am going to try to implement this strategy into my group work because I agree that this idea correlates closely to real life situations.
ReplyDeleteI like the part of the text that talked about having a base group for students and I am glad you spoke on this topic. You also did a nice job tying that idea in with real-life situations as well for teachers. We do work closely with our teams, but when it comes down to it, we as teachers are very responsible for reporting back to the administration, which is our home group.
ReplyDeleteWith all the changes that are occurring in education it is important that we have access to multiple groups, just to help sort things out and make sense of them. Students need the same access to others to help sort out their work as well. Group activities help the material to last longer as well. My motto is, "The more fun the more they will remember."
DeleteI liked in this weeks resources that it mentioned several different resources that would be useful for a class such as mine for instance building homes or your own and the NASA website. Providing opportunities for our students to work in cooperative learning groups can be a great asset to both student and teacher.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI have found social learning to be a wonderful way for students to make real life connections. By having the students work with different partners or small groups they can build camaraderie. Hopefully by working with a variety of their classmates, the bullying and name calling is at a minimum. I feel the better the students get to know each other, the more willing they will be to work together.
Martha Poppell