Stimulating Creativity through Cooperative Learning
Working language: English
Methodology:
The methodological approach includes: Think‐Pair‐Share; Reciprocal Teaching; Think‐Aloud Pair Problem Solving (TAPPS); Group Grid; Group Writing Assignments; Brainstorming; Story-Boarding; Problem Reversal; Lateral thinking tasks; Asking questions; Group discussion; Group survey; Critical debates; Three-Step Interview. Cooperative Learning, which will be the primary focus of this workshop, is a specific kind of Collaborative Learning. Students will work together in groups on a structured activity. They will be individually accountable for their work, and the work of the group as a whole will be also assessed. Cooperative groups will work face-to-face and learn to work as a team. In small groups students will have a chance to share strengths and also to develop their weaker skills. They will develop their interpersonal skills and will learn to deal with conflict.
Objectives:
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Deepening understanding of the school content through various tools for innovative problem solving;
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Increasing overall students’ achievements in grades;
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Improving self – esteem of the students through encouraging their creative thinking and fostering their imagination;
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Higher motivation to remain on task by working in small groups;
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Developing actively and constructively students’ involvement in the work at class;
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Encouraging students to take the ownership of their own learning;
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Improving teamwork skills;
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Exchanging experiences and intercultural practices in cooperative and collaborative learning process as long as in creativity and innovation;
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Putting into practice the principal that “teachers become learners at times, and learners sometimes teach”;
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Developing Lateral Thinking Skills;
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Learning how to celebrate the diversity of opinions and to value all contributions;
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Clarifying the connection between cooperative and collaborative learning, on one side, and, on the other side – the theory of Multiple Intelligences (M.I.);
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Applying the inquiry – based approach in the educational process.
Programme of the training course
SUNDAY
Arrival and accommodation at the hotel – Ice – breaking meeting (optional)
MONDAY
Welcome and registration
Introduction to Cooperative Learning
Implementing Cooperative Learning: Forming teams; Promoting positive interdependence; Providing individual accountability
TUESDAY
Team-building session
Cooperative Learning and Lateral Thinking
Challenges that might be faced in cooperative learning process
Collaborative Learning Techniques
Group Activities for Climate Setting and Group Formation
WEDNESDAY
Helping students to develop teamwork skills
The most effective small groups of students, suggested tasks, benefits and possible drawbacks
Cooperation in the Classroom: The Jigsaw Method
Conclusion of the day: Key principles and Troubleshooting
THURSDAY
Group Activities for Analysis
Group Activities for Knowledge and Comprehension
Group Activities for Group Function
Lesson Planning in Cooperative Learning
Discussion Evaluation Form – necessary tool for receiving the feedback from students
FRIDAY
Cooperative Learning Strategies
Teaching social skills for effective teamwok
Benefits of Cooperative and Collaborative Learning
Cooperative Learning Lessons
Feedback, course evaluation and dissemination focus
SATURDAY
Departure day
