Cooperative Learning

Although there are many teaching strategies in our educational system, one of the best researched is cooperative learning like the jigsaw method. Research has shown students who work collaboratively, learn quicker, have greater retention, and have a more positive feeling about their learning experience. Students also learn essential interpersonal life-skills and develop skills to work collaboratively. Cooperative learning creates more positive relationships between students, and strengthens students’ psychological health and self-esteem. Success of the group depends on each member and each member must participate in order for the group to realize that success (New Horizons for Learning, 2005). Other research has shown that cooperative learning is particularly beneficial for students learning a second language. The activities used in cooperative learning promote peer interaction, which is very helpful in language development (Colorin Colorado, 2007). Furthermore, with budget issues in our classrooms today, cooperative learning strategies are inexpensive and easy to implement.
There are, however, some drawbacks with improper guidance and supervision. Moreover, teachers cannot look at the strategy as time to correct papers and not be involved (New Horizons for Learning, 2005). Cooperative learning requires that a group leader be appointed which can lead to dominant students taking over the group. Teachers must monitor this and make sure each student gets the opportunity to take on each role required. Slow students can also pose potential drawbacks but with techniques like the “expert” group these issues can be minimized. On the other hand, bright students could have boredom problems but if those students are encouraged to develop the mind set of “teacher” the issues can again be minimized (Jigsaw Classroom, 2009).
Using the following steps cooperative learning strategies can be beneficial for the entire class. First, select a topic and break it into parts. Second, place 4 – 6 students in expert groups. Third, assign each group a part of the topic. Finally, send individual “experts” into mixed groups to form a whole topic discussion (Jigsaw Classroom, 2009). Cooperative learning, if done properly, can be a very useful tool and can be a positive experience for everyone.

References: Jigsaw Classroom. 2009. 7 Feb. 2009 http://www.jigsaw.org/.
New Horizons for Learnin. 2005. 7 Feb. 2009 http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/cooperative/front_cooperative.htm.
Colorin Colorado. 2008. 7 Feb. 2009 http://www.colorincolorado.org/educators/content/cooperative.