Direct Instruction and Cooperative Learning

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the components of direct instruction include explicit step-by-step teaching procedures, student mastery, immediate feedback, practice and gradual withdrawal from teacher direction. The author points out that cooperative learning is a diverse group of instructional methods in which small groups of students, usually grouped so higher-achieving group members can assist students who are having academic difficulty, work together and aid each other in completing academic tasks. The paper relates that, although there have been issues of research flaws, in general, cooperative learning overwhelmingly has been found to be effective and generally accepted as a viable approach; whereas, direct instruction has received criticism for its ineffectiveness in the classroom and even has been deemed to be harmful to all children. Table of Contents Introduction Direct Instruction Direct Instruction Strategies Cooperative Learning Cooperative Learning Strategies Comparison/Contrast

From the Paper:

"Scholars have also focused on processes within cooperative learning groups that seem to be related to academic success. Webb (e.g., 1982, 1983, 1985) conducted a series of influential studies that examined relationships between aspects of peer interaction and achievement. Webb's (1989, 1991) reviews of these and similar studies indicated that giving explanations was positively associated with achievement. However, the effect of receiving help varied. "Receiving explanations is sometimes helpful, receiving information has mixed effects (or no effect), and receiving only the answer is harmful." Receiving a lower level of help than is requested is also harmful. Johnson and Johnson (1985) concluded from a meta-analysis of their studies that the process of elaborative rehearsal of the material, support from team members, and "constructive controversy" among students increase the achievement benefits of cooperative learning. "

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