Learning together works best

With the help from teachers, Angie Linn, USD 257 curriculum director, explained to board members the benefits of the Cooperative Learning program at their board meeting Monday night.
A visit in 2010 from experts with the Kansas Learning Network (KLN), convinced Linn of the merits of the new program which stresses a cooperative atmosphere in learning.
Linn said when group goals and individual accountability are used together, the effects on achievement are positive.
Mary Ann Regehr, a Jefferson Elementary teacher, said cooperative learning has changed not only her teaching style but also how her students learn.
“I love seeing how they approach each other,” she said. “Cooperative learning is not the old-time learning. In cooperative learning everyone has a job.”
Regehr said her students work on projects together. She said no two days are the same in her classroom.
“The kids come to the classroom and are excited,” she said. “They don’t even realize they’re learning.”
 Positive effects from the program include higher self-esteem, better intergroup relations, acceptance of academically handicapped students, better attitudes toward school, and the ability to work cooperatively.
Cooperative Learning is being utilized by teachers of all subject areas in all grade levels K-12.
Annette Rexwinkle, Iola Middle School teacher, said her students enjoy using the learning style as well.
“It makes it simpler for the student,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed using if for the last three years.”
Fourth grade teacher Linda Garrett read the positive feedback from her students.
Garrett said changing learning styles is a good thing.
“We need to be willing to change and do what’s best for our kids,” Garrett said.

Lincoln Elementary Principal Larry Hart updated the board on classroom changes. Lincoln has successfully moved classrooms for students who have disabilities. A classroom that was originally upstairs in the building was moved to the first floor.
This will be an issue later when they have more students with disabilities, he said.

In other news:
— Site members for USD 257 were approved.
— The building trades house has one inspection left from the FHA.
— The board approved to hire a part-time secretary for the middle school.
— Shay Hlavaty and Elyssa Jackson were hired as SAFE BASE teachers.