What is Cooperative Learning?

Cooperative learning is a learning strategy that is centered around students but is facilitated by the instructor (Li & Lam, 2013). Every student is responsible for their individual learning, but also the learning of their peers (Li & Lam, 2013). The group of students collaborates to “solve a problem, complete a task, or achieve a goal” (Li & Lam, 2013). It is not the same as having a group of students simply talking to each other or having a discussion. They must have a common goal to strive together as a team.

Elements of Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning can be achieved when certain conditions are met. Below are those conditions:

  1. Clearly perceived positive interdependence
  2. Considerable promotive interaction
  3. Clearly perceived individual accountability and personal responsibility to achieve the group’s goals
  4. Frequent use of the relevant interpersonal and small-group skills
  5. Frequent and regular group processing of current functioning to improve the group’s future effectiveness

(Roger & Johnson, 1994)

Cooperative Learning Example in School

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTI1zHhYS00

How does cooperative learning align with a growth mindset?

Having a growth mindset means not being afraid to try new learning strategies. Collaborating with fellow students can allow students to experiment with new strategies with each other. Students who have similar concerns about their learning can lean on each other, grow their learning, and thus reach their goals.

References

Li, M. P., & Lam, B. H. (2013). Cooperative learning. The Hong Kong Institute of Education, 1, 33.

Roger, T., & Johnson, D. W. (1994). An overview of cooperative learning. Creativity and collaborative learning, 1-21.