The present book entitled “co-operative learning: a strategy for effective classroom teaching in social science” (An empirical study) has been specially designed to equip the teacher and teacher educators with as much knowledge on all aspects as per recommendations of NPE-1986, NCF-2005and 2011. Education is one of the most important factors in achieving the developmental goals of a country. Social Science is one among those subjects which is an essential element of education. Social Science is a subject which broadens the horizon of an individual and develops various skills and provides opportunity for the professional growth of an individual. Social Science has become a greater value in the present day; Social Science has spread its net on all over the fields of life. Before the days of early printing when books were not easily available, the knowledge was imparted by the teachers from their own store by lecturing and discussion. With the advancement of educational technology and educational research the educationists evolved many teaching skills and techniques, which resulted in effective teaching. The teachers are required to teach in such a way xii that the students should learn better, understand well and also feel interested while learning. The scope of the book has been made broad-based and comprehensive and the approach is practical and functional. Practical approach followed in dealing with topics such as model approach with reference to Cooperative learning model, currents trends in social science teaching-learning process like collaborative learning approach, methodology, analysis and interpretation of data and at the end findings of research along with educational implications of present study are discussed. The author, therefore hope that this book which is very informative for teachers working at secondary schools and teacher-educators. We hope that this book would meet the needs of both the students, teachers and teacher educators and especially would be researchers in the field of education. We look forward to and appreciate suggestions from the intelligentsia to improve the book.

Cooperative Learning In Social Studies provides practical assistance to both new and experienced teachers who are seeking effective small-group alternatives or additions to their current social studies teaching repertoire.

"Gilles focuses the majority of the book on the relationship in the classroom between the individual teacher and the students. She gives teachers ammunition to overcome resistance to cooperative learning by presenting well-substantiated research on virtually every page of her book showing the benefits of having students study together." —Ted Wohlfarth, PSYCCRITIQUES "This text′s greatest strengths are bringing together a range of powerful teaching strategies connected to students taking responsibility for their own learning and the learning of others. The focus on both teacher strategies to encourage effective group talk and student strategies to encourage effective discourse is helpful." —Nancy L. Markowitz, San Jose State University Although cooperative learning is widely endorsed as a pedagogical practice that promotes learning and socialization among students, teachers still struggle with how to introduce it into their classrooms. This text highlights the strategies teachers can use to challenge student thinking and scaffold their learning as well as the strategies students can be taught to promote discourse, problem—solving, and learning during cooperative learning. Key Features Presents cooperative learning in conjunction with national standards: The book situates cooperative learning within the context of No Child Left Behind and a climate of high stakes testing. Links theory with practice: Numerous case studies and small group exercises highlight how teachers can assess both the process and outcomes of cooperative learning. Emphasizes the key role teachers play in establishing cooperative learning: Guidelines are given on how teachers can establish cooperative learning in their classrooms to promote student engagement and learning across various levels and for students of diverse abilities. Incorporates the latest research on cooperative learning: An overview is provided of the major research and theoretical perspectives that underpin the development of cooperative learning pedagogy. Intended Audience This is an excellent supplementary text for several undergraduate and graduate level K—12 teacher preparation and certification courses regularly offered in schools of education. It can also be used as one of several texts in courses on cooperative learning and as a supplement in K—12 teaching methods courses.

"These activities will foster participation and critical thinking in the classroom." —R. Jon Frey, Director of Speech Activities Aberdeen Central High School, SD "Cooperative group learning is a powerful approach, and this book provides explicit ideas and guidelines." —Stephanie van Hover, Associate Professor of Social Studies Education University of Virginia Give your students the opportunity to think, discover, and learn together in social studies! Teamwork helps students strengthen individual retention, improve performance, and promote meaning-making in the classroom. To give adolescent minds practice in critical thinking, the authors use their considerable teaching experience to present more than 40 problem-solving activities that are ready for immediate use in the social studies classroom. This second edition of Catch Them Thinking in Social Studies demonstrates how to use collaborative learning strategies to fully engage students in meaning-making. Cooperative Problem-Solving Activities for Social Studies, Grades 6–12 offers lessons in five areas of social studies instruction: geography, politics, economics, culture, and history. Each activity includes background information, clue cards, objectives, tasks, and worksheets. This updated edition helps teachers: Develop students′ decision-making, analysis, and communication skills Foster teamwork and interdependent learning Construct cooperative problem-solving activities using their own curriculum Featuring current research and new activities, this hands-on resource helps teachers facilitate cooperative problem solving in social studies and provides teacher tips throughout the book.

The Big Picture in a MiniBook! Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures have revolutionized the way tens of thousands of teachers teach. Students achieve remarkable academic gains and acquire a range of social skills. Discipline problems disappear. And teaching and learning are fun! To good to be true? No. The data is in! This MiniBook reveals the secret to success. With no change in your curriculum, and with no specials materials, you will transform your class and your career. It is easy! Read this MiniBook and join the instructional revolution.

This collection of 7 articles focuses on the themes of 10 workshops that comprise an inservice training program, Effective Teaching, and the Cooperative Classroom. In "Research in Teacher Effectiveness," Georgea M. Sparks traces the research findings on effective teaching practices and educational outcomes during the last 15 years, and briefly summarizes the research on cooperative group learning strategies. In chapter 2, "Curriculum and Effective Teaching," John I. Goodlad presents information from his study on schools and discusses the prerequisites of effective teaching and the cooperative classroom. In "The Art and Craft of Teaching," Elliot W. Eisner addresses the aspects of the cooperative classroom that develop teacher flexibility and creativity. In "These Days--These Debates," Philip L. Hosford discusses teacher evaluation and argues for the use of both a quantitative and qualitative approach to gaining knowledge about teacher effectiveness. In "Aldo: A Metaphor," Robert Garmston and Arthur Costa present a narrative about an experienced and devoted classroom teacher facing an aggressive staff development program requiring the learning of new teaching skills. In "Using Research to Improve Teaching Effectiveness," Ralph W. Tyler challenges educators to use what is available from "action research," but reminds them that research findings are generalizations that serve to guide practitioners as they study and try to understand all of the elements in their own classrooms. In the final chapter, an "Overview of Cooperative Learning," Chick Moorman, Dee Dishon, and Pat Wilson O'Leary give their rationale for teaching cooperation, and describe the differences between typical classroom groups and cooperative groups. (JD)