Recognition for Excellence Handbook - Cooperation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cooperating to Learn?
Cooperation engages young people in group experiences that are interdependent; requires face-to-face interaction; demands group and individual responsibility; creates opportunities for small group skill development; and depends on group interaction.
Why is Cooperative Learning a Part of 4-H?
Cooperation skills are increasingly important in today’s interdependent society. The primary goals of 4-H are to help young people become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society. Recognition of young people who work cooperatively to learn and achieve goals is a natural part of our recognition model.
Who Helps with the Cooperative Learning Experience?
Learning to use cooperative activities effectively as a learning tool takes some additional skills on the part of adults. It is more than just getting a group of 4-H’ers together and giving them an assignment. All of us need to expand our skills in using cooperation effectively as a learning tool and set the example of cooperation in how we work with other adults.
Where Does Cooperative Learning Take Place?
When young people cooperate and learn together in groups, they examine and affirm their own differences and explore solutions beyond their own individual ideas. They also affirm their own individual self-concept as well as form a group relation. They are learning how to succeed in today’s world where business is turning to group efforts and production.
Who is Involved with Cooperative Learning in a Club?
Cooperation should involve all the youth in a 4-H group. It provides an opportunity to form a group-identity and problem solve in a group setting. Cooperation is measured by the degree to which groups form mutually agreed upon goals and examining a variety of options on how to reach those goals.
What Should Cooperative Learning Recognition Look Like?
Examples of extrinsic awards are ribbons, certificates, newspaper articles, community recognition like highway clean-up signs, pizza parties, picnics, etc. Intrinsic recognition may be given through individual feedback, personal comments focused on strengths of individuals in the group, age appropriate group discussions, and feedback to individuals in the presence of the group.
Who Receives Recognition for Cooperative Learning?
Recognition for cooperation gives attention to the way a group works. Leadership skills that promote the involvement of everyone in the group are supported. The ultimate goal of cooperation is not individual recognition. Recognition for cooperation is based on how well group members work together rather than over who has done the best work. Everyone in the group is recognized when cooperative efforts are evaluated.
Who Awards the Members for Cooperative Learning?
Most groups will be able to come up with the best ways to celebrate their successes and to discuss what they have learned. As the group discusses its goals and results, identifies their strengths, and discusses improvements, a natural outcome will be a celebration of the work. Recognition from team members and significant adults will help to solidify the cooperative learning activity.
How Should Recognition for Cooperative Learning be Experienced?
All young people need to be fully involved in the entire process of cooperative learning and the group needs to establish mutually agreed upon goals. Attention needs to be given to the way the group works as well as to the project. Discussions should be held throughout the planning and implementation meetings, allowing for suggestions, concerns and the development of relationships in a fun environment. Remember, the ultimate goal is not extrinsic recognition but the satisfaction of being part of a team effort. The team needs to decide how to celebrate its own success, working to recognize and value all members.
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