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).
For Grades K–5
For Grades 6 – 8
* Jones, R.M. 1990. Teaming Up! LaPorte, Texas: ITGROUP.