Cooperative learning: Effect of communicative coping in groupson the learning process of adult educators

Communicative interaction in groups not only helps to cope with problems in educational practice but can be implemented as supportive measures to lead from knowing about something theoretically to actually applying knowledge in practice. This paper describes how trainers in adult-education are suppo rted over a period of 1 1/2 years through small groups and practice tandems . The course followed is a self-study "contact" course with face-to-face tu toring modules. They help each other by cooperative counselling and observi ng each other when transferring theoretical study into practice. The effect of practice tandems and small group work has been researched in a differen tiated, long-term study. It shows impressive effects on the learning proces s. Moreover, a change in the way the adult trainers act can be observed. Th is effect could not have been achieved without putting into practice a coop erative interaction approach in small groups and tandems.