Nusrat Jahan@Pidhin.JU

Cooperative language learning and my context

Cooperative language learning is dependent on socially structured exchange of information

in groups. It’s motivated to increase the learning of others also connected to individual

accountability. Cooperative language learning has specific relevance for literacy and

language learning.Cooperative language learning refers to group work which is carefully

structured so that all learners interact, exchange information. Cooperative language

learning is among the most extensively evaluated alternatives to traditional instruction

today. Outcome evaluations include not only academic achievement but also inter group

relations, self-esteem, social behavior, and others.

U.S. Educator John Dewey is credited with prompting the idea of cooperation on regular

and systematic basis. CLL prompted in 1960s and 1970s as a response to typical classroom

groups.

How cooperative groups differ from typical classroom groups?

In typical groups

In cooperative groups

One leader is chosen by the teacher

Groupsare homogenious in nature

Each member has his/her own

product

Priority is getting the job done.

Leadership is shared by all

members

Group members are chosen

randomly

All members have one single

product

Priority is getting the job done

with social skills and by the help of

every member.

Nusrat Jahan@Pidhin.JU

Benefits of CLL:

Raise the achievements of all the students

Positive relationships among students

Healthy social, psychological and cognitive development.

Cooperation rather than competition

Positive interdependence.

Face to face interaction.

Individual accountability.

Social skill development

CLL and my context:

Cooperative language learning improved academic achievement, students’ self-esteem and

attitude towards their learning. The communicative approach to language teaching holds

that acquisition occurs when there is intensive engagement in discourse in real

communicative contexts. Successful language learning occurs in student-centered

environments in which learners are encouraged to communicate through meaningful, task-

oriented materials. Language learners should benefit from cooperative learning given the

close ties between recommendations for language instruction and cooperative language

learning. Cooperative language learning can allow students to use both first and target

languages in a meaningful and purposeful way.

Cooperative language learning can be an effective classroom management approach for

helping students develop social skills, gain a better knowledge of concepts, improve

problem solving abilities, and become more proficient in language and communication. In

small group activities, the positive atmosphere needed for successful classroom

interactions can also be facilitated. Learners who work together effectively in

heterogeneous groups take responsibility for one another's learning and develop

receptivity to learning and to language. Finally, because language itself is interactive,

learning language in a cooperative language learning environment allows students to

integrate language with content-area learning when appropriate conditions are present.