Principle 2: Increase Interaction

The easiest way to increase interaction in the classroom is to use cooperative learning.  Cooperative learning activities give ESOL students an opportunity to develop their English proficiency skills because such activities allow ESOL students to interact with native speakers of English in a low-anxiety environment.  Interaction with native speakers of English helps promote second language acquisition.  By working with native speakers in cooperative learning groups, ESOL students also learn the content of the lesson.  As such, cooperative learning activities promote language learning, as well as content learning for second language learners.

There are four things to remember when using cooperative activities in the classroom.

1.  Vary Grouping Strategies

Groups should be formed depending on the purpose of the activity.  Teachers will usually want to form mixed groups of ESOL students and non-ESOL students so that ESOL students can learn from the English-speakers.  Be sure to pair ESOL students with strong native English speakers who are not struggling with the curriculum. In certain cases, all-ESOL groups might be formed, e.g., when the teacher or tutor can individualize instruction for the group or when the students can use their native language to aid their understanding.

2.  Plan for Positive Interdependence and Individual Accountability

Many teachers object to group work because they feel that a few students do all the work.  A way to avoid this is to design group activities that foster both positive interdependence and individual accountability.  Positive interdependence simply means that students rely on one another in positive ways in order to complete a task. Individual accountability is accomplished when each student is held accountable on an individual basis (such as having to pass an individual quiz on what they learned as a group).

3.  Teach and Model Activities Before Asking Students to Do Them

Explicitly teach and show students how to work together.  Start with simpler tasks and have them evaluate and improve their group process.

4.  Recognize and Reward Effective Group Work

Have effective groups share why they are effective with others. Give special recognition or points for effective or improved group process.

 

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