Co-operative learning
Co-operative learning is structured group learning. It is useful for team project work. It ensures that individual learners understand that their contribution is vital to the team.
Co-operative learning contains these five elements;
- positive interdependence – ‘we sink or swim together’
- individual and group responsibility
- face-to-face interaction – or maybe using video conferencing, e.g. ooVoo
- learning of interpersonal and team work skills
- group processing – to evaluate team working and agree what needs to change.
The use of co-operative learning has been extensively researched. It has been found to improve information acquisition, higher-level thinking skills, interpersonal and communication skills.
It can also encourage active citizenship and raise awareness of equality and diversity, for example by breaking down barriers between learners.
Methods:
- careful grouping of learners,
- ground rules,
- role allocation,
- Individual and team targets,
- group investigations,
- team discussions,
- peer coaching,
- assessment presentations by teams, reflection on how the team worked
