Student Motivation and Cooperative Learning.

N

57

Classroom Environment; Classroom Techniques; Cooperative Learning; Elementary Secondary Education; Group Activities; Informal Assessment; Learning Activities; Motivation Techniques; Student Evaluation; Student Motivation; Teacher Student Relationship; Teaching Methods

This paper describes one teacher's use of cooperative learning techniques to increase motivation in her students. After briefly describing the problem of student motivation, reviewing the literature that addresses the topic, and noting the characteristics of the class and students, the paper provides a detailed discussion of the teaching methods used to facilitate cooperative learning, including (1) its goal of ensuring that every student feel success, (2) the assignment of task objectives but not specific duties, (3) a component for individual assessment, and (4) the teacher's role as "guide on the side." The paper also describes evaluation methods and group-building exercises. The paper concludes by noting that cooperative learning is a powerful method of increasing student motivation. Teaching and evaluation materials and lesson plans are appended. Contains nine references. (EV)

1997

ED407128