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Post by nstashenko on Oct 27, 2014 22:52:58 GMT -5
Which learning style do you think would be more effective when working with ELL students? Cooperative learning or Interactive learning? How would you use these two learning styles when working with ESL students?
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Post by kristine14 on Oct 29, 2014 15:49:16 GMT -5
I feel that a combination of cooperative and interactive learning are effective when working with ELL students. I like how interactive learning focuses on pair/group work, using authentic language in real-world context, producing language for genuine meaningful communication, and writing for real audiences. I support group work because I feel that students can learn so much from one another. Also, students need to learn how to work with others, even if they have different opinions. I feel that authentic speaking and writing should be a priority in the classroom. Because my students are older, I try to focus on life skills. This includes things that they need to get by from day-to-day like: grocery shopping, paying rent, making appointments/going to the doctor, time, money, jobs, transportation and so forth. When teaching about jobs, we had the students try to fill out applications and role played a job interview. We also scheduled fake appointments for the students to meet with other teachers at different times. These topics are relevant to their lives, allowing them to make the connection and understand better.
A little on cooperative learning... I like the idea of working together and helping each other, however, competition is inevitable. In the "real world" there is competition in the workforce and we want our students and employees to be more than average! We want them to excel! Our students should be intrinsically motivated and strive to become better academically. Also, in the work place, people usually work individually, and you need to be able to solve problems on your own. Realistically, you're not always going to have someone to help you. |
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Post by ayteama on Oct 29, 2014 19:42:25 GMT -5
I do believe they relatively have the same core. Yous can't cooperate without interact and when you interact you are cooperate.
The idea is not what is better to stick to, the idea is how to apply different styles, strategies, activities and approaches. First, to get the best use of everything. Second, to make your class enjoyable so that no one can get bored whether you or the students. Third, even you use a less effective method, maybe it works with you ... maybe you cam develop it .. I believe that I have to try everything for my first years of teaching so that I can create my own style as a teacher based on a collection of all effective points in everything.
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Post by nancy27c on Oct 30, 2014 14:32:44 GMT -5
I believe each has their place, but that cooperative learning creates more meaningful experiences for students. Again, it is a balancing act and teachers must know their students' learning styles in order to make best experiences for each student.
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kara
New Member
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Post by kara on Nov 7, 2014 0:02:22 GMT -5
I agree with everyone that there needs to be a strong balance between both cooperative and interactive learning. I believe students need the opportunity to be able to work together in order to achieve an answer or a goal set by the teacher. Being able to work in groups or pairs allows them to grow together and help one another. However, I also believe individual work and problem solving using ones own schema is incredible important. A student should be encouraged to try and solve problems on their own, but also feel comfortable to ask for help from their peers or teacher when needed.
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Maria
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Post by Maria on Dec 10, 2014 13:56:03 GMT -5
Cooperative learning means structuring classes around small groups that work together. I'd push my students to do more than just physically be near other students but prompt them to discuss material and share with their peers. Their not meant to be used for the whole period so I'd use them for simply 5 minutes in a class exercise or as a project. A downfall of this form is that each student is reliant on the group's success, you could end up with one student doing all the work while others just put their name on it.
Interactive learning is a method i think is more effective with ELLs and students in general. It's a measureable assessment where teachers are better equipped to acess how well students understand the material. It keeps students engaged because their actively participating in the task and can build their confidence in the subject.
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