A Review of Research on Cooperative Learning in Middle School English Reading Class

Abstract

Cooperative learning (CL) has long been a popular teaching method. In the 1970s, the American educator David Koonts first put forward its concept and tried to put it into practice, after which research in this area has remained active in various countries until today. This paper intends to review several specific cooperative learning activities used in middle school English reading classes and to summarize possible ways of optimizing the cooperative learning method for English reading teaching. Three effective examples of CL activities, including reading circle, Jigsaw Reading, and picture tour, are the main focuses. Cooperative learning will be discussed as a whole, and why it is important in English reading class will be clarified. By reviewing the relevant literature, this paper attempts to analyze research on the three examples from their advantages to their effects on class and students, and also points out some limitations and suggestions indicated in these studies. It will come to an overall conclusion at the end of this paper.