How to Use Cooperative Learning

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As a trainer, I often conduct workshops ranging in size from 10 to over 100 adult learners attending a conference.  Workshop times may vary from one-hour breakout sessions to full-day workshops.  Therefore, I will utilize informal cooperative learning groups formed on the spot at a training site.  This method is suitable for any size group. It is a very versatile and adaptable method that can be used in a "lecture style" conference room seating arrangement (rows of participants) or in meeting spaces with tables and chairs.  Cooperative learning activities can be as simple as a five-minute activity during a one-hour presentation to a half-hour or more prolonged activities for longer workshops.  For shorter training, utilizing a "think-pair-share" activity works nicely. First, the instructor poses a question (or asks learners to reflect or share what they just learned) and gives the learner a minute to think through an appropriate response.  This "think-time" can be spent writing also.  Next, the learner turns to the person next to them and shares their responses.  During the third step, responses can be shared within a four-person learning team, a larger group, or an entire class during a follow-up discussion.  It is a simple way to add cooperative learning to any type of training.  

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