Cisco Systems CCNA 2 B.4.3 Cooperative/collaborative work

B.4.3 Cooperative/collaborative work

Cooperative work occurs when students work in groups for extended periods of time. Students

work together for the benefit of all group members. Research shows that cooperative learning

environments stimulate cognitive activities in the areas of higher-order thinking, problem

solving, and collaboration. Students who work in cooperative group situations reach objectives

and goals with better accuracy than if they work individually on a task. Cooperative work is a

foundation strategy used when instructors ask students to analyze and synthesize complex

information. This strategy supports advanced thought processes, such as the creation of

graphic organizers and the use of logical induction to solve problems. Students learn to be

team players and acquire skills that will help them in their professions. Cooperative work

occurs when students work in groups for extended periods of time to enhance the learning

experience and create an energetic classroom atmosphere. Students might be grouped

together as follows:

• Groups of two students to study online curriculum

• Groups of three students to complete cabling, lab, and programming activities

• Groups of five students to take oral exams and work as network or programming

teams

There are a variety of ways to engage students through cooperative learning. Instructors can

divide the class into student groups to conduct reviews, ask questions, learn content, and work

on performance labs or other activities. It is important to know how and when to use groups for

the most effective instruction. The following examples illustrate some of the types of groups

and the purposes for which they might be used.

Pairs or partners

There are different methods that instructors can use to partner students:

• Each student can choose another student with whom they want to work.

• The instructor can assign partners.

• Students can work with other students based on the classroom seating

arrangement.

Students can work in teams of two or they can form a larger group. Students can also partner

with three students in classes with an odd number of students. A pair may partner with another

pair so that the absence of one student will not disrupt their work.

Small groups

Small groups usually have three to five students. Small groups can be formed in the following

ways:

• The students can choose their own partners.

• The instructors can assign members to a group.

• The students can work with other students based on the classroom seating

arrangement.