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Together we can do so much. Helen Keller
Cooperation in the ESL classroom
Cross-curricular competencies are common to all subjects and are to be developed within the context of each subject matter. Each teacher is responsible for giving his or her students opportunities to develop these competencies. Teachers must also draw attention to the competencies while students carry out subject-specific activities.
Although the cross-curricular competencies are common throughout the curriculum, some subjects lend themselves more easily to the development of certain competencies. In the ESL classroom, one such example is cross-curricular competency 8: Cooperates with others.
When students work with others, they learn to collaborate and develop social skills. However, putting students in a team and telling them to work together does not guarantee cooperation. Students must be taught to work together and should be given the necessary skills to work successfully as a team.
Having students work in groups is a familiar routine for ESL teachers and learners. The ESL classroom is a place where students learn to live together and work together. Since students are often called upon to work with others to carry out ESL activities, this particular cross-curricular competency is already familiar to them.
Given the emphasis on oral interaction in the ESL program, it seems natural to place students into situations in which they will be encouraged to use English in discussions with their team-mates. The language is used in context, and students are encouraged to speak in English while carrying out tasks and planning the various activities or projects.
One of the favoured means for evaluating the development of this particular cross-curricular competency is observation of the group in action. During the activity, you can observe students' development of cross-curricular competency 8 by using the observation grid we have provided.
Students can also reflect on their own development of the cross-curricular competencies (for more on student self-evaluation and reflection, see the January 2005 issue of Backstage Pass).
Cooperation in Centre Stage
Activities that encourage the development of CC8: Cooperates with others
Methodology notes on cooperation in the ESL classroom
Useful handouts for organizing cooperative activities
Development of the social/affective strategies: cooperating and encouraging self and others through various activities
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