Michael Orey describes many different social learning theory strategies throughout his video in our resources this week. He describes the benefits of using the social learning theory in any classroom and the best way to deliver this theory. I agree with many of the aspects of his argument in that it is important for students to be social when they are learning in a classroom. I do, however, believe that teachers should be teaching through many different ways in order to accommodate all of the learners in their classroom. The social learning theory is one good way of teaching a lesson, although not the only good way.
One of the strategies Michael Orey describes is called the "Jigsaw Strategy". I liked the way he described this because sometimes in a classroom when students are working together in a group, only a few do all of the work and then the slackers get the same grade. During the Jigsaw Strategy, each student is assigned a specific thing they need to research. Once they have done their research they get with the other people in the room that have researched the same thing. Once in the group the students need to work together to make sure every student knows how to teach their group about their subject. After that, students get back with their original group and teach each other what they needed to specifically research. This seems like a much more fair way of having students be in groups and insures that everyone is participating equally.
This seems like a good way of implementing the social learning theory in a classroom. There are many different strategies teachers can use while trying to use this theory. When students are social while they learn, they feel a sense of accomplishment and engaged in what they are doing.
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Alicia,
ReplyDeleteI saw the exact same thing in my classroom when I did group work, the same students busy doing all the work while the others are sitting around goofing off. This changed after I was introduced to the “Jigsaw Strategy” in November. Once, I saw this strategy in action I was eager to try the strategy myself. I used the strategy in social studies on the topic of explorers. I used the weekly studies newspaper and created a scavenger hunt. After discussing how the strategy would work and doing a dry run I was pleasantly surprised to see all of the students actively engaged in the learning process. I acted as the facilitator and checked the students’ answers before they returned to their home group to teach their part. I also found, that the students retained the information and was able to discuss it among themselves and with me. They also performed very well on the test. I try to use the strategy at least once a month because the students enjoy the interaction. I hope you try the strategy and find success with it.
Victoria
Victoria,
ReplyDeleteThat is great news! I have not personally tried the "Jigsaw Strategy" yet so I am so glad that you know it worked for you. I will defiantly try this strategy the first oppurtunity that I get!
Alicia
Alicia~ the Jigsaw strategy allows for accountability. Without accountablity for one's own work, the group suffers. When the group suffers, the cooperative setting goes into a pinch hit situation and their slugger better hit it out of the park, or they will let him/her take the loss for the team.
ReplyDeleteI have even used the jigsaw strategy in my first grade classroom. I break the children into groups and they learn about a particualr topic and then we share posters that they all make whole group. They love it and it is a great way to teach team work. In first grade...they all want to add to the posters and have a turn to talk, so they all work. Love jigsawing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think the jigsaw strategy sounds like a great idea too. I am worried about how much time this will take to get into the groups and complete the project. How much time did you allow for a project.
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