Cooperative Learning: Elements, Types, & Advantages
Schools are always looking forward to having a proper format of learning for the students. Cooperative learning is one of those methods that people always tend to use. With the help of cooperative learning, class activities can be organized in the best way. Apart from that, it also aims to provide an educational and social learning experience for the students.
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Cooperative Learning
In this format of learning, students tend to work together in smaller groups and then perform the task that has been provided to them. John Dewey is the person who is responsible for introducing the theory. In cooperative learning, the teacher is responsible for selecting the groups and the members are tasked with learning. In this article, students will learn all about different cooperative learning strategies and other examples.
What is Cooperative Learning?
Understanding the concept of the cooperative learning method is really important for people. With the help of cooperative learning, students are able to achieve more learning goals in the best way. It enables all the students to learn as well as teach others by forming groups. The success of the individual members would determine the success of the groups as well. It is a very popular method of teaching in schools these days. It arranges the students and mixes them up based on their ability to learn. The main concept of cooperative learning is group success.
Cooperative learning encourages the students to understand the value of teamwork and leadership. Not to mention that it also helps them in performing their tasks in a much more efficient manner. Some of the most important cooperative learning strategies are meant to guide the students towards a better path of learning.
What are the Different Types of Cooperative Learning?
Generally, there are three different types of cooperative learning. These types are mentioned below in great detail for the students to understand. Here are the types: Formal learning, Informal learning, and Cooperative Learning.
1. Formal Learning: Formal cooperative learning is one of the techniques of cooperative learning where the group will be assigned some projects and tasks. It is advised that they stay together till the completion of the assignment. The group consists of a pretty clear structure. The teacher is the one responsible for the selection of the groups and each group has about 3-5 members.
2. Informal Learning: It is basically the opposite of a formal kind of learning. This structure might not be that well-constructed. Typically, these would involve certain activities that are not very difficult to perform and would take less time. The group has about 2-3 members. This method of learning involves creative thinking.
3. Cooperative Learning: This is a method used for long-term supporting groups. The minimum time for which the members will be in the group is for a semester. However, it can last for years. The members are asked to provide support and cooperation to each other throughout the time period. This is one of the more permanent techniques of cooperative learning.
What are the Elements of Cooperative Learning?
Cooperative learning consists of 5 different elements. Here is an explanation for all of these techniques.
1. Positive Interdependence: Students are allowed to have clear targets and goals. Their efforts will not only help one individual but the entire group. It is more about personal success as well as the success of every single member of the group.
2. Group Accountability: According to this element, the group will be accountable for the actions that they take. Apart from that, the members will be held responsible for their individual contributions in achieving the goal.
3. Interpersonal Skills: This is another one of the most important elements of cooperative learning. Interpersonal skills help in building teamwork in the group.
4. Interaction: Students will be sharing their successes by dividing all the different resources that they have. They give support, confidence, and admiration to the works of others.
5. Group Processing: The members of the groups are required to communicate with one another in a frank manner. They will feel the concern as well as the happiness of others. They need to talk about achieving their goals as a unit in order to have better results.
Advantages Of Cooperative Learning
Mentioned below are some of the main advantages of cooperative learning.
It helps in raising the achievements of the students.
It helps in building positive relationships.
It provides experience in developing learning as well as social skills.
It helps the children retain more information and increases the rates of achieving the goals as well.
Cooperative learning is the best way to have better intrinsic motivation.
It acts as social support for children and it helps in building a better attitude towards the teachers.
The more students get to learn the importance of cooperative learning, the more they’ll understand why it is such a fantastic idea to increase knowledge in children. It is definitely one of the best teaching methods for kids.
FAQs on What is Cooperative Learning?
1. What is cooperative learning?
According to cooperative learning meaning, it is basically a method of teaching that is used in schools these days. The students are divided into small groups and asked to perform different tasks together as a single unit. The teachers will be forming groups of students and they will be graded on the basis of their creativity and interaction. Cooperative learning is considered to be one of the most efficient methods of teaching as it helps the students in understanding the importance of teamwork. It also ensures that they put their main focus on the success of the group rather than focusing on their individual success.
2. Is cooperative learning important?
Yes. Cooperative learning can be considered as one of the most important methods of teaching and that is why it is being adopted in most schools these days. The teachers of the classes form small groups consisting of 2 or more members and then provide them with creative tasks to perform. It helps in encouraging the students to gain more knowledge about teamwork and social skills. Another one of the main advantages of cooperative learning is that it helps in promoting better interpersonal skills in students as well. Ultimately, it leads to better retention and a more positive attitude towards learning in the students.
