Many teachers find that well-organized student work in small groups makes learning and effective classroom management easier. Cooperative learning refers to a set of teaching techniques in which students work together in small groups to complete a task or project. Students are assigned individual roles, such as facilitator, recorder, or timekeeper, and are given the opportunity to share their knowledge on the subject. Teachers have modified the “one size fits all” cooperative learning model to create a variety of models that serve unique purposes, such as grouping students according to age and subject area.
These teachers have never taught in small groups. Few had ever used technology in their classrooms. They weren't familiar with effective teamwork strategies or how to teach students to collaborate.
