208 - 238 CCNA 2: Routers and Routing Basics v3.1 Instructor Guide – Appendix B
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2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
B.4.3 Cooperative/collaborative work
Cooperative work occurs when students work in groups for extended periods of time. Students
work together for the benefit of all group members. Research shows that cooperative learning
environments stimulate cognitive activities in the areas of higher-order thinking, problem
solving, and collaboration. Students who work in cooperative group situations reach objectives
and goals with better accuracy than if they work individually on a task. Cooperative work is a
foundation strategy used when instructors ask students to analyze and synthesize complex
information. This strategy supports advanced thought processes, such as the creation of
graphic organizers and the use of logical induction to solve problems. Students learn to be
team players and acquire skills that will help them in their professions. Cooperative work
occurs when students work in groups for extended periods of time to enhance the learning
experience and create an energetic classroom atmosphere. Students might be grouped
together as follows:
•
Groups of two students to study online curriculum
•
Groups of three students to complete cabling, lab, and programming activities
•
Groups of five students to take oral exams and work as network or programming
teams
There are a variety of ways to engage students through cooperative learning. Instructors can
divide the class into student groups to conduct reviews, ask questions, learn content, and work
on performance labs or other activities. It is important to know how and when to use groups for
the most effective instruction. The following examples illustrate some of the types of groups
and the purposes for which they might be used.
Pairs or partners
There are different methods that instructors can use to partner students:
•
Each student can choose another student with whom they want to work.
•
The instructor can assign partners.
•
Students can work with other students based on the classroom seating
arrangement.
Students can work in teams of two or they can form a larger group. Students can also partner
with three students in classes with an odd number of students. A pair may partner with another
pair so that the absence of one student will not disrupt their work.
Small groups
Small groups usually have three to five students. Small groups can be formed in the following
ways:
•
The students can choose their own partners.
•
The instructors can assign members to a group.
•
The students can work with other students based on the classroom seating
arrangement.
