Designing Groupwork: Strategies for the Heterogeneous Classroom

By Elizabeth G. Cohen and Rachel A. Lotan

Book Overview

Since publication of the first edition of this best-selling book, cooperative learning has become a widely accepted strategy. Now properly designed groupwork has become a powerful tool for teaching all students and it's time to bring teachers up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. Designing Groupwork combines easy-to-follow theory with examples and teaching strategies that are adaptable to any situation. The advantages and dilemmas of groupwork are discussed, as well as its use in multiability and bilingual classrooms, and step-by-step approaches to successful planning, implementation, and evaluation of groupwork activities. This Second Edition includes new material on skill-building for more advanced students, on the development of roles for older and younger students, on how to use multiple ability treatments and how to avoid common pitfalls, on cooperation and antisocial behavior, and on a new treatment for status problems.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807728160
• ISBN13: 9780807728161
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: Teachers College Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

Defines True Groupwork

Cohen writes a very informative book on defining and implementing true groupwork, as opposed to the types of group-work which teacher often use in the classroom. The basis behind her strategies are explained, and there are examples both in-text and in the appendix. The groupwork theories described in this book can be used for young children up through college students or adults. This book is simple to read and clearly explained, while at the same time being very helpful and informative.

Groupwork that works!

This book is a great tool for teachers at any grade level. Designing Groupwork gets at the heart of the challenges facing teachers who use groupwork in the classroom. If you are looking for groupwork strategies, perspective on group dynamics, and creative team building examples, this is the book for you! I have used this book in my own teaching practice and have noticed huge improvement in groupwork experiences. In addition, I have gained an awareness of the groupwork process and am able to better serve the needs of my students. Every teacher should own a copy of this book!