Cooperative Language Teaching

Cooperative Learning refers to a systematicinstructional method in which students work together in small groups to accomplish shared learning goals.

The data in a large amount of research shows, compared with competitive and individualistic efforts, cooperation has positive effects on a wider range of outcomes.

People operating in a cooperative learning activity attain higher achievement level than those who function under competitive and individualistic learning structures.

*Foster cooperation rather than competition.

*Develop critical thinking skills.

*Develop communicative competence through socially structured interaction activities.

Teaching has traditionally concentrated on making the students aware of certain aspects of the code without providing adequate practice.

Student-student interaction isminimal.

Students are seen as acquiring knowledge of language rather than communicative ability directly and they simply passively acquire the new knowledge.

The table lists some main differences between cooperative language learning and traditional language teaching

Learner Role:

is to work collaboratively on tasks with other group members. Get out pf their comfort zone. Being accountable for their learning and actively participate in teaching themselves as well as others.

Teacher Role:

Facilitator. The teacher speaks less and concerns more on monitoring and assessing the process of the student. He or she is a provider of clarifications and feedback, but more importantly, an encouraging agent for the students’ development.

1. Increased frequency and variety in class interaction.

2. Possibility for development of language, cognitive and language skills.

3.Integrating content-based instruction.

4. Variety of materials to be used for stimulation and/or concept learning.

5. The chance for teachers to expand in the mastering of professional skills.

6. Opportunity for students to be more active in their learning and to use each other as live resources.