A Study of Cooperative Learning in Senior High School English Class

高珈珊

【Abstract】Cooperative Learning Theory has been introduced to schools in China since the early 1990s. With the implementation of English course standard， more and more English teachers adopt this teaching method into practice. This thesis tries to find out the problems during the process of cooperative learning.Then outline some suggestions，hoping that they can provide a practical guideline for the effective implementation of cooperative learning in senior high school English class teaching.

【Key words】Cooperative Learning； Senior high school English class； National English Curriculum

Ⅰ. Concept of Cooperative Learning

There are various definitions about cooperative learning by scholars. We can find out that there are still some common characteristics：Students are divides into several heterogeneous groups according to the certain standards.It is the group rather than the individual that will be evaluated and rewarded in the process of cooperative learning.Students will study automatically rather than passively.Each team member are supposed to work together to accomplish tasks assigned by teachers.As far as I am concerned， cooperative learning is a learning method that can not only help students learn knowledge more actively but also provide a platform for students to communicate with each other. It can also lay a good foundation for students all-round development.

Ⅱ. Existing Problems in the Cooperative learning English class

1. Unreasonable cooperative task

In real classroom teaching， it is often found that the cooperative tasks assigned by teachers are either too easy or too difficult for students.

2. Unequal participation opportunity

It is the fact that good students or group leaders often speak on behalf of their team while the other students remain silent in the classroom.

3. Chaotic classroom environment

Once the teacher assigns tasks， students will talk loudly in classroom. At this circumstances， the teacher can barely hear what the students are talking about.

4. Unreasonable group division

Most teachers always fail to consider the reasonable collocation such as the grades， the characters of students or other factors.

5. Big class size

In China， there are often more than 40 students in a class. So the teacher will have many groups to supervise.

Ⅲ. The suggestions of cooperative learning

1. Suggestions for teachers

a. Design proper cooperative tasks

On one hand， teachers need to know what knowledge and skills students will master through cooperative learning. On the other hand， teachers should plan well which part need to be cooperated in advance and preset time.

b. Divide the group in right way

Teachers should follow the principle of homogeneity between groups and heterogeneity in the group and consider group size.

c. Self-improvement

Teachers need to be equipped with more knowledge and study modern information technology that will improve students learning effectiveness and optimize the education process.

2. Suggestions for students

Students need to seize every opportunity to participant in cooperative learning and master the skills of team work， such as to be a good listener， express opinion clearly， know how to seek help from others， help others etc.

3. suggestions for class implementation

Teachers should let students in other groups give their opinions.It will not only contribute to strengthen the communication between the groups， but also make the classroom atmosphere be active.

4. suggestions on teaching situation

The tasks teacher assigns must be valuable and cant be too simple.Teachers should accept right concepts of cooperative learning. Every method has its advantages and disadvantages. As teachers， we must adopt the most suitable method in teaching.

5. Suggestions on the assessment

Through evaluation， teachers will not only have a basic understanding of how much knowledge their students have learned， but also will receive the feedback. For students， they can get thorough understanding of themselves and make adjustment of their life and study.

Ⅳ. Conclusions

There are still some problems during cooperative learning in senior high school English class.As teachers， we need to improve our teaching methods.Cooperative learning can be operated more effectively if we follow these suggestions.Both teachers and students will benefit from it much.

References：

[1]Bloomfield，L.1933.Language[M].New York：Holt.

[2]Parke，F.W.1926.Conversation on the Education[M].New York：Holt.

[3]Light，P.H.1992.Cooperative Learning with Computers： an introduction[J].Learning and Instruction 31（4）：239-258.