Recognising the value of interdependence through cooperative active learning

The events of the past 18 months have meant that many educators have had to adapt the way they teach and to undertake this online. For those who had already embraced active flexible learning, the transition online to some extent was made easier. In my session I will share my teaching approaches pre pandemic, during, and my plans for the coming academic year.

This will demonstrate how active cooperative learning is an essential component of the student experience and one that complements both individual and competitive learning approaches.

Drawing upon Social Interdependence Theory (Brufee 1993, Johnson and Johnson 2010) I will highlight the conditions that are essential for effective cooperation and how this can help to develop students to become confident lifelong learners who are able to work both independently and collaboratively. I will also introduce the Learning Activity Smörgåsbord and the accompanying resources I am currently developing and seek feedback and further suggestions.