Cooperative learning is a learning strategy that promotes teamwork of individuals within a group to complete a task. This learning style involves people working together, assigning roles for team members to complete sub-tasks, and active participation from all members.
Using this learning model, individuals can take ownership of their learning, feel valued in their learning community, and work on their communication skills. Instead of utilizing a traditional lecture model, some people may find discussing ideas and sharing their learning amongst peers to be a more engaging way of absorbing knowledge and, perhaps, learn a thing or two along the way!
Some key characteristics of Cooperative learning include:
– A Group Dynamic – Individuals work with others to complete their sub-task and over-arching tasks. These groups can consist of 2 or more people.
– Active participation – Individuals are responsible for their sub-task and contributing to the overall task. Given the group nature of this learning style, individuals are often held accountable by their group members.
– Diversity – In this learning model, diversity is essential. Whether that be an individual’s identity or thoughts, having different understandings of a topic can help individuals to learn about things from a different perspective and comprehend content if they are having difficulties.
– Equitable division of tasks – Individuals coordinate with their teammates which portions of the tasks they would like to work on. Given one’s extenuating circumstances (if applicable), it may be harder for them to contribute equally. However, the team will work together to decide on an equitable split that is fair for everyone.
For my group’s topic, we have selected “Well-being & Mindfulness in Children,” where we are creating an interactive resource to help school children (Grades Kindergarten to Grade 3) improve their overall well-being and mindfulness in areas such as breathing strategies, creativity, physical well-being & play and healthy eating. I believe that Cooperative Learning indirectly aligns with my group’s topic because we are getting students involved in learning more about mindfulness and well-being in a group setting. Upon learning about these strategies using our interactive blueprint, students can discuss what they have learned and implement these strategies outlined in their day-to-day lives. During assessment portions, students can collaborate on their answers and discuss their understanding of the topic with the class.
References:
Lewis, B. (2019, November 13). What is Cooperative Learning? ThoughtCo. Retrieved June 18, 2023, from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-cooperative-learning-2081641
Willis, J. (2021, November 5). How Cooperative Learning Can Benefit Students This Year. Edutopia. Retrieved June 18, 2023, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-cooperative-learning-can-benefit-students-year
Hi Fawzan! I really appreciated reading your thoughts about Cooperative Learning and its essential characteristics. Cooperative learning is a fantastic way to give learners more control over their own academic progress. What practical recommendations would you give teachers who want to use this method in their class? Are there any challenges they should be aware of?
Hi Fawzan, I also wrote my post on cooperative learning! Have you struggled at all with this method of learning because I know I have in the past, a great way to divide up work and ensure that no group members are doing everything getting left behind are group contracts! I know for my ILD group we did not make a contract but in hindsight looking back I think it would have been more helpful if we did. Thanks – Jenna 🙂