For this post, I explored how cooperative learning could be applied to my group’s topic: socially constructed gender roles and stereotypes in the workforce.

Cooperative learning is an approach where learners work together in small groups. Rather than learning individually students share ideas, discuss different perspectives, and support each other’s understanding. A key characteristic of cooperative learning is that each group member has to participate in the learning process and the success of the group depends on everyone’s participation. I think the jigsaw strategy is a fantastic example of cooperative learning because each student becomes an expert on one part of a topic and then teaches it to the rest of the group. Which is the exact strategy we are using here for our second blog posts!

The post What is Learning? helped me think about why cooperative learning is a good fit for our topic. It talks about how learning happens when learners make connections between new information and their own experiences and understanding. Gender stereotypes are usually shaped by social experiences, cultural expectations, family influences, and the media. Since these beliefs are socially constructed it makes sense for students to learn about them through social interaction. Discussing stereotypes with others can show learners different perspectives and experiences that may be different from their own. This creates opportunities for them to reflect on biases they may not have recognized before.

Another reading that popped out at me was Using the First Principles of Instruction to Make Instruction Effective, Efficient, and Engaging. After reading it, I thought that cooperative learning directly aligned with Merrill’s Integration principle and augment that information alone is not instruction. Which shows the importance of learners sharing their ideas and reflecting through collaboration. Many of the activities in our learning resource, such as think-pair-share discussions and media analysis, will give learners opportunities to engage.

For our final interactive learning assignment, I believe cooperative learning will play an important role. While some direct instruction may be needed to introduce key concepts. Collaborative activities will likely be the most effective way for students to learn how gender stereotypes influence workplace experiences and how those stereotypes can be challenged.

References:

Merrill, M. D. (2018). Using the First Principles of Instruction to Make Instruction Effective, Efficient, and Engaging. In West, R. E. (Ed.), Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology (1st Edition): Historical Roots and Current Trends (pp. 265-275).EdTech Books

EDCI335 Post, What is Learning? – EDCI 335