Watkins Mill High School
Watkins Mill HS - Study Skills Handbook
Social Studyies Department
Learning with Others
- Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning involves students working in a group toward a common goal. Each is responsible for a portion of the project. Before a project is begun the student should be made aware of the research skills necessary for finding information, what is expected for group cooperation, what the finished project should resemble, when the project is due and how each will be assessed on his/her part of the project. Depending on the length of time required for the project and on the age and independence of the students, teachers should monitor and encourage students to keep on task and meet progressive deadlines.
For more information of cooperative learning go to www.kagencooplearn.com!
- Tutoring Guidelines
As students work in groups, either in studying with others or a cooperative learning group, more advanced students will be in a situation to help those who are less advanced. Teachers need to set guidelines prior to group activities to apprise students of their limits on sharing answers and on different ways to ask questions to help lead students to the answers. Teachers should also instruct students on how to remain positive when a fellow student does not understand something!
- Conflict Resolution
Conflicts often arise during group learning situations. Teachers should explain age-appropriate procedures for preventing and solving these conflicts.
- Elementary School – should follow the teacher’s instructions!
- Middle School – students should try to resolve group conflicts themselves, some examples are:
- Make a request for change
- Talk with others
- Give and accept constructive criticism
- High School – students should show proper respect for each member of the group!
