Cooperative Learning in the Secondary School: Maximizing Language Acquisition, Academic Achievement, and Social Development. NCBE Program Information Guide Series 12.

Cooperative learning is a valuable strategy for teaching secondary school students, especially useful with students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are learning English as a Second Language. It offers a method for managing diversity, channeling peer influence into a positive force for improving school performance, and involving students in classroom communication and activity. Secondary students with limited English language skills have less time to acquire the English essential to academic success, and need a low-risk environment to practice English. Cooperative learning provides an appropriate method for these purposes, and in addition offers increased opportunities for student social development. Cooperative learning strategies can be used in a variety of ways and time periods. Team-building and oral language activities can be used to familiarize students with the approach and build language skills. Such collaborative activities include games for exchanging personal information, problem-solving exercises, brainstorming, group discussion, cooperative review of information, and story-sequencing. A sample unit for grade 10 world history, designed for a class consisting of native English-speakers, non-native fluent English-speakers, and limited-English-proficient students, illustrates the approach. The activity requires that small groups complete projects and share them with the rest of the class. (MSE)