We are a very social society. Personal relationships are so important, and as humans we love spending time with each other. These days there are so many social networks and websites that allow us to be social without even leaving our homes or being in the presence of other people. It is kind of ironic in a way how social we can become while still remaining alone in our own homes. Facebook is a huge social networking site that allows people to interact, express thoughts, share ideas, and follow the lives of friends and family. Blogging, webcasts, podcasts, youtube, and so many more social technology tools have been developed to help us learn and interact socially. Whether we agree with it or not, humans learn from social interactions. When we see someone else doing something interesting or of worth, we want to learn and do the same thing.
A classroom is an extremely social environment with students of similar age interacting and working together. Cooperative learning is a common strategy to promote social interactions and allow students to learn from one another. Dr. Orey points out how much more a person learns when they are able to teach about a concept and share knowledge with others (Laureate Inc., 2008). Cooperative learning strategies group students together and gave them opportunities to learn and teach in a social setting. Student led learning communities are great for teaching and helping students get the most out of their education.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008).Social Learning Theories. [DVD]. Baltimore: Author.
Kerri,
ReplyDeleteI am in complete agreement with Drs. Vgotsky, Orey, and all others that are proponents of social learning as it is my opinion social learning is the basis for all personal interaction. We, as a society, must learn how to get along with one another. Children need constant support from peers regardless of the source.
The classroom environment is the place a child spends the majority of their time, therefore students must be exposed to the various social contexts you mention. Kiddos working together learn more than academic skills; they also learn how to work through social challenges such as the ability to get along. This skill is a skill most adults need to revisit in the workplace. The added benefits technology offers is just a tremendous bonus!
I think Dr. Orey’s comments on students gaining a deeper understanding after teaching what they have learned to others is the best reason teachers have at why cooperative learning is so important to implement. Students are not only excited about the opportunity to be the teacher, but they are also learning from each other in a way that I as a teacher may not have been able to do. Students really do understand better when one of their peers explain the skill to them rather than me. They have a point of view and a way of speaking that they better understand.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that students make excellent teachers and they really learn and use their knowledge when they have to share it with others. I love the point of view of children and how they communicate their ideas. Thanks for the comment.
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