Cooperative Groups: Job Cards

Cooperative learning is a systematic way for students to work together in groups of two to four. It provides organized group interraction and enables students to share ideas and to learn from one another. Students in such an environment are more likely to take responsibility for their own learning. Cooperative groups enable the teacher to conduct hands-on investigations with fewer materials.

Organization is essential for cooperative learning to occur in a hands-on science classroom. Materials must be managed, investigations conducted, results recorded, and clean-up directed and carried out. Each student must have a specific role, or chaos may result.

The Teaming Up! model* provides an efficient system for cooperative learning. Four “jobs” entail specific duties. Students wear job badges that describe their duties. Tasks are rotated within each group for different activities so that each student has a chance to experience all roles. For groups with fewer than four students, job assignments can be combined.

Once a model for learning is established in the classroom, students are able to conduct science activities in an organized and effective manner. Suggested job titles and duties for Middle School students follow. A simplified set for Elementary School students also is provided below.

Principal Investigator

Reads the directions
Asks the questions
Keeps the group focused on the activity
Checks the work

Maintenance Director

Follows the safety rules
Directs the cleanup
Asks others to help
Makes sure that recyclable materials are placed in the correct containers

Materials Manager

Picks up the materials
Operates or uses the equipment
Ask the teacher the team’s questions
Returns the materials

Reporter/Recorder

Collects and records observations and results
Leads the discussion about the results
Tells the teacher when the group is finished
Explains the results to the class

Able Assistant

Assists every member of the team

Cooperative Grouping Job Card Templates

Provided below are 1-page downloadable job cards in Microsoft Word format. These documents are for use with Avery Dennison 3-in. x 4-in. name badge inserts (5384, 5393, 74459, 74536, 74540, 74541, 78617, 78619, 5392).