Cooperative Learning

This form of learning can take place at any time that learners work together, for example when they help each other with assignments or when they work on a structured project in small groups. Having small groups is a key element for implementing cooperative learning because they provide a place where:

• Learners actively participate;
• Teachers become learners at times, and learners sometimes teach;
• Respect is given to every member;
• Questions interest and challenge students;
• Diversity is celebrated and all contributions are valued;
• Research tools such as Internet access are made available;
• Learners learn to relate to their peers;
• There are more opportunities for personal feedback.

A group of individuals discussing a lecture, or learners from different backgrounds working together over the Internet on a shared assignment are also examples of cooperative learning. In particular, mixed-skills groups can be especially helpful to learners in developing their social abilities.In a world where being a “team player” is often a key part of business success, cooperative learning is a very useful and relevant approach.It differs from traditional approaches because learners work together rather than compete. Of course, for some assignments individual work may be most efficient, while for others cooperative work best.

The conditions under which cooperative efforts may be expected to be more productive than competitive and individualistic efforts are:

• Positive Interdependence: learners feel that they need each other in order to complete the group’s task;
• Face-to-face interaction: learning becomes active rather than passive;
• Group accountability: learners feel that they are each accountable for completing a task;
• Interpersonal and small-group skills: skills for working together effectively also encouraging each other;
• Group processing: group members discuss how well they are achieving their goals and maintaining effective working relationships.

Why use cooperative learning?

Research has shown that cooperative learning techniques:

• Promote individuals’ learning and academic achievement;
• Increase learners’ retention;
• Enhance individuals’ satisfaction with their learning experience;
• Help learners’ develop skills in oral communication;
• Develop learners’ social skills;
• Promote learners’ self esteem;
• Help to promote positive relations;
• Help to develop learners’ weaker skills;
• Empower learners’ ability to deal with conflicts;
• Improve individuals’ teamwork skills.