We believe that students learn best in a scholarly atmosphere in which cooperative learning strategies are used. Thus, lectures are minimized, students spend most of their time working in groups, and classroom small-group discussions are the norm and are encouraged. We believe that students helping students is the most effective as well as enjoyable approach to learning science. As we walk about the classroom, we are impressed with the caliber of discussions we overhear and frequently enter. We are delighted with our students’ enthusiasm. We believe that ideas that you teach each other in an atmosphere of discovery will remain with you much longer and will be more meaningful to your total education.

Cooperative learning is sometimes introduced into classrooms with highly artificial rules (each person is assigned a particular role, the teacher selects the members of each group). We believe that cooperative learning takes place best in a free, naturally friendly and open atmosphere and that it is the preferred method of learning science. We also believe that our students are excellent cooperative learners and that as the year proceeds, through practice, you will become even better.

While the course is designed such that students helping students is an important source of instruction, this technique occasionally supplies answers without understanding. If you find yourself saying, “I don’t do well on tests.,” you may have the illusion of understanding. Poor grades on tests probably indicates a lack of understanding. You should seek more help from the teacher rather than depend primarily upon other students.

Related posts:

1. Students Are Given the Freedom and Responsibility for Their Own Education We believe that students are naturally curious and potentially enthusiastic about learning, thus we have tried to present an atmosphere in which students are given...
2. Shifting Grade Control to the Students We believe that students function best when they are in control, thus we have designed the course such that students accumulate points rather than average...
3. The Student Centered Classroom with the Teacher as Guide and Colleague We believe that a teacher can best serve a student individually, rather than in a teacher-centered classroom. In this class, teachers function as colleagues rather...
4. The Student Centered Classroom with the Teacher as Guide and Colleague We believe that a teacher can best serve a student individually, rather than in a teacher-centered classroom. In this class, teachers function as colleagues rather...
5. Concerning Students With and Without Learning Disabilities Recent requirements concerning the needs of special education students serve this concept well. Teachers must now make untimed tests available to large numbers of students....