8th Class Working With Cooperative Learning Groups In The Classroom

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In Case #0016, we see an 8th grade algebra class working with in cooperative learning groups. This in itself gives us one way that the teacher has adjusted instruction to meet the need of her students. Each group, consisting of 4 students has been grouped together very specifically by the teacher. Student math levels, drive, and personality types have all been taken into account. This shows in the video segment. As we observe each group, we see these students successfully work together to solve the task at hand. Students are busy bouncing ideas and reasoning off of each other. Another way in which the teacher adjusts instruction is apparent in the way she interacts with each group. As the teacher moves from group to group, she listens before joining into their conversations. Each time a group is off the right track, this teacher poses questions to help the group find the path in the right direction of the formula. Thus, each groups’ teacher-student interaction is different, because is each group is …show more content…

This type of environment is rooted within the constructivism theory of Swiss philosopher and scientist, Jean Piaget. Professor George E. Hein, Lesley College of Massachusetts, states, Piaget’s “constructivism refers to the belief that learners construct knowledge for themselves” (Hein, 1991). This is done through constructing meaning. According to Piaget, constructing meaning is learning. New knowledge is created with the help of a learner’s past experiences through the processes of accommodation and assimilation (Hein, 1991). During assimilation, learners absorb fresh experiences into an already –present mental structure. The other process, accommodation, occurs when a learner’s existing mental structure is reframed to satisfy new experiences (Hein, 1991). Piaget’s theory allows students to experience and explore concepts, then reflect on those experiences through these