Activity Based Cooperative Learning
Symposium on Best Teaching & Training Practices
Nizwa College of Technology - Oman
Activity Based Co operative learning –A student centered approach to teaching and learning at colleges
David Rajesh*
Abstract. This paper proposes two models in student-centered approach to adult teaching and learning. Both models have been practiced by the author to teach Business Studiesrelated courses. Activity-based Learning, one of the methods, is best suited to acquire skills and cooperative learning. The second model is proposed for knowledge acquisition. In the first model, a broad scheme of learning outcomes (in terms of skills) is designed by the teacher in consensus with the industry in which the students are expected to take up jobs in the future. Programs for every outcome are then developed by the teacher. It is then left for students to prepare, organize and deliver learning contents under the supervision of the teacher. In the second model, a class of students will be divided into groups. Each group is tasked to learn one of the topics of the course either in library or laboratory. The groups are then rearranged in such a way that each group consists of members that have different topics to teach. In this scheme, students learn first then teach this to their peers. The students are in full control of learning in both methodologies while the teacher is just a facilitator in the learning process.
1. Introduction
For long the command in teaching and learning have been with the teachers. This traditional approach is time tested and its effectiveness has been proved in pedagogy. For equally long time, the same system of teaching and learning has been put to use at the andragogy, or the adult learning as well. In many avenues, teaching to non adults and teaching to adults differ. They differ in student motivation, ability and pre-study conditions. The environmental requirements at a adult learning situations. Physical abilities do differ with the two groups.
Nizwa College of Technology - Oman
Activity Based Co operative learning –A student centered approach to teaching and learning at colleges
David Rajesh*
Abstract. This paper proposes two models in student-centered approach to adult teaching and learning. Both models have been practiced by the author to teach Business Studiesrelated courses. Activity-based Learning, one of the methods, is best suited to acquire skills and cooperative learning. The second model is proposed for knowledge acquisition. In the first model, a broad scheme of learning outcomes (in terms of skills) is designed by the teacher in consensus with the industry in which the students are expected to take up jobs in the future. Programs for every outcome are then developed by the teacher. It is then left for students to prepare, organize and deliver learning contents under the supervision of the teacher. In the second model, a class of students will be divided into groups. Each group is tasked to learn one of the topics of the course either in library or laboratory. The groups are then rearranged in such a way that each group consists of members that have different topics to teach. In this scheme, students learn first then teach this to their peers. The students are in full control of learning in both methodologies while the teacher is just a facilitator in the learning process.
1. Introduction
For long the command in teaching and learning have been with the teachers. This traditional approach is time tested and its effectiveness has been proved in pedagogy. For equally long time, the same system of teaching and learning has been put to use at the andragogy, or the adult learning as well. In many avenues, teaching to non adults and teaching to adults differ. They differ in student motivation, ability and pre-study conditions. The environmental requirements at a adult learning situations. Physical abilities do differ with the two groups.
References: Conner, M. L. "How Adults Learn." Ageless Learner, 1997-2007. Malcolm S. Knowles (Houston, Texas: Gulf Publishing, 1998: The Adult Learner Stephen D. Brookfield. (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, reprint 1991)Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning 5