Cooperative learning consists of interdependent learning in small groups. This learning strategy recognizes both the groups and the individual's effort. It is a cooperative strategy, not a competitive, meaning that students are meant to work together in groups rather than against each other. This process is democratic and students in each group assume active roles. From a teacher standpoint, there is less of an emphasis on organizing academic content and more on organizing students into small group work and collecting a variety of learning materials to be utilized.
There are six phases to cooperative learning, which are as follows:
1. Present goals and establish set goals
2. Present the information to the students
3. Organize students into learning teams
4. Assist teamwork and study
5. Test students on material
6. Provide recognition
Of course, there is always the question of why? Why use cooperative learning? Studies show that students who work in cooperative learning groups perform better on tests, especially in regard to reasoning and critical thinking skills. Cooperative learning also has been seen to enhance the achievement of underrepresented groups such as females and African Americans. In addition, it creates more active participants in learning. From a social standpoint, it allows students to make friends more easily. Students learn accountability for they are to "sink or swim" together and are depending on one another for success.
Cooperative learning builds a community in your classroom and allows students to learn how to work and depend on each other. It is a strategy that every educator should incorporate into their classroom.
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