Reading Reflection 4

I find some merit to using group work as a social means to promote learning and higher level thinking skills. In looking back on group work throughout this semester, I can say I learned a lot from listening to other people’s views that differed from mine and it did stimulate higher levels of thinking among all members within the group. Cohen suggest how students work together depends on the objective of group work (routine or conceptual) and the level of interaction we want to see students engaged in. The objective of group work also determines the level of exchange among members within a group (limited exchange or equal exchange).  

I find this true and interesting at the same time. In PE there are lots of opportunities for students to work on group tasks, however these task are simply fact/recall and usually includes a limited number of people taking control over the task. There are never really opportunities for students to produce high level thinking skills, but of course this rests upon the teaching methods. In Special education, I rarely see group work used as a tool for learning. I think depending on the needs in the classroom group work should be encouraged that promotes higher level thinking skills.

As a special/physical education, it will be up to me to work and create higher level thinking tasks within small groups. This will be a challenge, but just from personal experience the benefits are endless. Students learn through conversation, disagreements and providing explanations behind what they believe. It’s a powerful thing. Of course, preparing students for cooperation is critical before any of this can occur, but using group work as a means to stimulation tool for further inquiry and discussion put learning back into the students hands.