Cooperative Lesson Analysis

Evaluation of a Multi-day Lesson: Non-directed Research Project

 Introduction:

During the 1994-95 school year your course instructor conducted a 9-day laboratory exercise with students. This activity was documented both through a videotape and a journal article (Wenning, C. J., & Muehsler, H. (1996). Non-directed Research Projects in Physics Courswork. The Physics Teacher, (34), March, 159-161.) As a homework exercise, you will work indivdiaully to analyze the characteristic activities of the students.

Procedure:

1. Read the following article: Wenning, C. J., & Muehsler, H. (1996). Non-directed Research Projects in Physics Courswork. The Physics Teacher, (34), March, 159-161. Reprints are available directly from your course instructor.
2. Observe the multi-day lesson on videotape if you wish, paying particular attention to student behaviors.
3. Answer the following questions on the basis of your reading (and viewing):

• To what degree was cooperative learning used by students? Cite evidence. (Note: Use Johnson, Johnson, & Holobeck's "PIG'S FACE" definition of Coooperative Learning as the basis of your analysis.)
• Were ALL of the "PIG'S FACE" elements visible in this article or on the videotape?
  ------ If not, which one(s) were missing?
  ------ If not, how might these components have been initiated?

Return to Cooperative Learning.