A Four Stage Process of Co-operative Teaching for Beginning University Teachers Meeting First Year University Students

Abstract

A four stage process of co-operative teaching for beginning university teachers meeting first year groups of students provides a structured way in which classes can be developed. Through a process of induction, barriers to classroom participation are minimised, roles are clarified, academic goals are considered and an active knowledge concept is introduced. Students are encouraged to critically assess their own learning and classroom participation and to provide feedback on teacher performance. The notion of co-operative teaching has been found to be an effective way of organising the classroom environment for beginning teachers as well as providing a process through which they can critically reflect on their own practice.