Introduction
It is common to see students joining up for informal gatherings or discussions. This is always the right moment for discussion of topics such as sports, celebrities, teachers, politics and jokes, among others. However, it is also quite important to note that students usually have intellectual learning in such gatherings. For instance, students discuss problems that they face in classrooms, issues with solving mathematic problems, discussions on goals and missions, among others. In essence, cooperative learning is very instrumental in intellectual growth, personal and social development. This paper will explore cooperative learning as well as its importance in intellectual, personal and social growth (Sedl.org 1).
Summary of what is leant
Informal learning is quite prevalent in schools. This is mainly because it gives students ample time to open up and discuss issues of concern to their lives. Moreover, it is a moment of information sharing, which is crucial to their intellectual, personal and social growth. Cooperative learning is therefore very important in students’ capacity development. I have learnt a lot on this topic given the level of freedom it gives to students for discussions of their personal problems. Cooperative learning gives time to each participating member to air his/her views on any topic of discussion. In fact, members of such informal meetings are usually appreciative of one another. The website has given credible information concerning cooperative learning. This is mainly because it was well researched. In addition, professionals who prepared it have a deep understanding of the topic. I have therefore learnt that before one writes about something, he/she must conduct a thorough research in order to provide credible information from credible sources (Sedl.org 1).
For instance, the website provides information in a user friendly manner with visual back up, which makes it attractive to readers. Moreover, it talks about informal discussion forums, which are welcoming to learners. Its method of promoting cooperative learning is quite relevant as it starts by giving the advantages of cooperative learning. It is also important in that it emphasizes the need to share information with friends. It also fosters the need to solve each other’s problems irrespective of source. This forum is therefore very instrumental in solving issues of great concern to students. It should therefore be encouraged at all cost in education facilities. However, it is quite necessary for information that flows in these informal discussions to be monitored to control rebellious deliberations and acts of mischievous nature. This is mainly because, apart from being centers of learning and capacity development, it can also be a center for hatching vices and mischievous deeds. In essence, I have learnt what cooperative learning means, models that promote it, estimation and statistics excerpts, resources, reading list and opportunities (Kagan 20).
Illustrations
The web page is well endowed with pictures that promote cooperative learning. Moreover, it is well structured to provide valuable information on cooperative learning. Online learning tools are well prepared with interesting pages that appeal to learners. Several illustrations have been used in the website with emphasis on advantages of cooperative learning. It starts by defining cooperative learning, its benefits and functionality. It then goes to models that promote it; these include Jigsaw, Think-Pair-Share and Group investigation, among others. Students are also given more areas of discussion such as estimations and statistics excerpts, which help in developing problem solving ability and critical thinking. It moves to resources useful for cooperative learning, which include math problem groups that bring together various grades. The topic is therefore very valuable to students as it fosters group work and sharing, which have capacity to improve their intellectual, social and personal growth. The figure below gives an illustration of cooperative learning from the website (Sedl.org 1).
Response
This topic is valuable to both teachers and students. This is mainly because it strengthens teamwork between students and foster confidence in solving problems. Teachers’ work is reduced since students take a participatory role in classrooms. Moreover, the teacher understands his/her students better since they engage in positive discussions. Engaging students in cooperative learning is very important as it fortifies teacher student relationship. Moreover, it motivates both teachers and students on their tasks. Teaching is therefore made easy and enjoyable. In fact, passing information becomes easy as students engage in active response. These actions have capacity to improve teacher’s training skills and effectiveness in classroom (Millis 1).
Conclusion
Online educational tools are always important in improving capacity development. The website talks about cooperative learning, which brings together students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This is an opportunity for personal, social and intellectual growth since each person is given an opportunity to talk. It also means that every student gets to listen to others, which is a very important aspect of learning. In essence, online educational tools improve students’ capacity development and teachers’ effectiveness in classrooms. It also fosters teamwork and galvanizes their relationship. This is very important in ensuring continued positive interaction between teachers and students (Sedl.org 1).
Works Cited
Kagan, Spencer. Cooperative Learning. San Clemente, CA: Kagan Publishing, 1994. Print.
Millis, Barbara. “Cooperative Learning”. utc.edu. UTC, 2002. Web.
Sedl.org. Classroom Compass: Cooperative Learning. Southern Educational Development Laboratory. SEDL, 1994. Web.