Difference between Direct Instruction and Cooperative Learning

Direct Instruction:

Direct instruction is a goal oriented approach which is structured by teachers (Slavin, 1997).At times, this is the most effective and efficient way of conveying information. This approach is suitable if each student need to acquire certain information and skills. It is not suitable if the learning requires research and discovery activities. Steps in this approach are:

(a)    Teachers state the objectives of the lesson as well as the purpose of the lesson.

(b)   Teachers review the prerequisites needed to understand the topic. Teachers have to conduct revisions if students haven’t mastered the required concepts and skills.

(c)    Teachers present new material by teaching, providing examples and demonstrations.

(d)   Teachers conduct learning probes by asking students questions to determine their level of understanding and to correct and misconceptions.

Cooperative Learning

Vygotzky (1896-1943), described cooperative learning as “…. group learning activity organised on the socially  structured exchange of information between learners in groups and in which each learner is held accountable for his or her own learning and is motivated to increase the learning of others.”

Cooperative means working together to achieve a common goal. While cooperative learning is using small groups of students in the teaching process, so that they can work together to maximise self – study and help other students as well.

In a cooperative learning group, students are given two responsibilities: to learn the materials given and to ensure and to ensure other members learn the materials too. Consequently, a student work for his own benefit as well as for the benefit of his group members. The perception of students in cooperative learning is that they can only achieve their learning objective, if the other members study as well. In cooperative learning, they discuss and assist one another to understand a particular subject, and in the process they motivate each other to work hard in their studies.

Reference

Slavin, R. E. (1997).Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice(5^th Ed.).Boston: Allyn & Bacon.