Cooperative learning is applying mutual assistance to achieve a common goal. This practice can be a successful teaching strategy in which small teams of students work together to reach a common goal. In order to ensure success, it is helpful to mix students with different levels of skills, knowledge, and understanding. When students of different levels of ability collaborate, it can create growth in understanding of a variety of subject matters.
It is ideal to of a class discussion about group work and what it entails to be a good group member before assigning students into cooperative learning groups. Students must be aware of how to be respectful, give corrective feedback, and be a supportive group member. In addition, group work requires group roles. It is beneficial to not only go over the job of each group role, but also model how to accomplish the role successfully.
Not all students like group work. Many students feel pressure in social situations, end up taking on multiple or all group roles, or feel discouraged in collaborative situations. It is vital that the instructor monitors group work and makes sure everyone is in a safe, equal learning environment.
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