2013/05/25

Cooperative learning and the changing role of the teacher in the new MEXT revisions by Joël Laurier

Summary:

MEXT's call for increased group work and English use in the newest revision of the Course of Study will certainly challenge teachers who favor more traditional, teacher-centered approaches. In his presentation, Laurier introduced some interactive, task-based activities that could help teachers bridge this gap. These activities, or rather the structures around which they are built, form the cornerstone of Cooperative Learning (CL), which can be thought of as "group work on steroids." By actually working in groups to complete these activities, Gunma JALT attendees were shown how CL can increase active participation between students, build confidence for teachers, and deliver student-centered English lessons. Laurier's presentation style showed plainly that learning facilitators (née teachers) should guide the classroom with a gentle but firm hand. In CL, the teacher can be anyone in the classroom. The learning facilitator's job is "not so much to teach, but to make sure the learning is getting done."