Formal Cooperative Learning:Reading Comprehension/Interpretation

Karl A. SmithLaura Apol

Reading Comprehension/InterpretationTASK: Read the text (article, chapter, story, poem) and answer the

questions.

INDIVIDUAL: At least one contribution from each member for each question.

COOPERATIVE: One set of answers from the group, strive for agreement, make sure everyone is able to explain the group’s answer(s) for each

question.

EXPECTED CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS: (1) Best answer(s) within time available, and (2) Everyone must be able to explain the process used to

answer the questions.

INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTABILITY: One member from your group may be randomly chosen to explain the group’s answer(s).

EXPECTED BEHAVIORS: Active participating, checking for understanding, encouraging everyone’s participation.

INTERGROUP COOPERATION: When you finish compare your answers with those of another group and discuss.

Group Roles

• Reader: Read through the material slowly, carefully, with expression, so members never forget it for the rest of their lives

• Recorder: Write down all the group’s ideas, make sure there is at least one idea from each member for each question. Go back and try to choose one answer for the group for each question.

• Checker: Ask other group members to demonstrate comprehension and help diagnose problems in understanding.

The Choice by Wayland Young

Reader B reads story to group. Turn page over for questions. DO NOT turn it back B work from memory.

Questions

1.How long did Williams= friend have to wait before Williams returned?

2.What did Williams remember from his trip?

3.How did Williams feel about his choice?

4.Why do you suppose Williams made the choice he did?

5.Why do you think the camera, notebook, and recorder weren=t used?

6.What does this story seem to say about the future?

Group Processing

• Rate yourself on the following involvement scale: Low1--2--3--4--5--6--7--8--9--10 High

• Share your self-rating with other members of your group and explain why you rated yourself as you did.

• As a group, list three ways of increasing members’ involvement in the next cooperative assignment.

Cooperative Learning is instruction that involves people working in teams to accomplish a common

goal, under conditions that involve both positive interdependence (all members must cooperate to

complete the task) and individual and group accountability (each member is accountable for the

complete final outcome).

Key ConceptsPositive Interdependence

Individual and Group AccountabilityFace-to-Face Promotive Interaction

Teamwork SkillsGroup Processing