The Effects of Structure on Participation: Informal Cooperative Learning in Small Groups

This study examines the use of structure within informal cooperative learning group work as well as participation that occurs within such group work. The structures of various cooperative learning techniques including Numbered Heads Together, Think-Pair-Share, Think-Pair-Share/Jigsaw, and Jigsaw are compar ed based on the nature and levels of participation they elicit. The varying structu res of these techniques are analyzed to explore the possibility that more structure in specific techniques can lead to increased levels of participation as well as more even participation among group members. Quantitative research was cond ucted to analyze the cause and effect of variables in order to examine the relation ship of the structuring of these techniques with participation output of students in informal cooperative learning groups. The results of this study appear to favor the Think-Pair-Share related techniques over the non-Think-Pair-Share relate d techniques in regards to equality of participation, number of words per group, number of words per student, and number of words per turn taken. These result s are analyzed and implications are made to suggest further research.