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:

  • Deepening understanding of the school content through various tools for innovative problem solving;
  • Increasing overall students’ achievements in grades;
  • Improving self – esteem of the students through encouraging their creative thinking and fostering their imagination;
  • Higher motivation to remain on task by working in small groups;
  • Developing actively and constructively students’ involvement in the work at class;
  • Encouraging students to take the ownership of their own learning;
  • Improving teamwork skills;
  • Exchanging experiences and intercultural practices in cooperative and collaborative learning process as long as in creativity and innovation;
  • Putting into practice the principal that “teachers become learners at times, and learners sometimes teach”;
  • Developing Lateral Thinking Skills;
  • Learning how to celebrate the diversity  of opinions and to value all contributions;
  • Clarifying the connection between cooperative and collaborative learning, on one side, and, on the other side – the theory of Multiple Intelligences (M.I.);
  • 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