Cooperative Learning Example
Focused-Listing

Focused Listing
Focused listing can be used for brainstorming or as a strategy to identify understandings of concepts.

1) Students are asked to create a list of words that describe or define something - for example “What does environmentally friendly mean?”
2) Students create their own lists or descriptions, perhaps even sketches of their ideas.
3) Students get together in small groups to share and discuss their lists - perhaps they are asked to select one they can all agree on or through discussion create their own definition.
4) This can then facilitate a class discussion.
Sample Focused Listing Activity with Grade 6
What is does "Environmentally Friendly" mean?
Student 1
Student 2
Student 3
Student 4
- no littering
- something causes less pollution
- doesn't hurt animals
- doesn't cause side effects
- recyclable
- biodegradable
- organic
- doesn't harm the environment
- doesn't pollute the planet
- doesn't give off harmful gases
- can be reduced, reused
or recycled
- waste products are properly disposed
- is energy efficient

- made of natural products
- doesn't harm fish or other water life
- doesn't harm the ozone layer
Group definition of "environmentally friendly":
Something is environmentally friendly when it does not harm the environment, the animals, the people and does not create extra garbage.


Cooperative Learning Examples