“Cooperative Learning is the structuring of classes around
small groups or high performance teams, each of different levels of ability
that work together in such a way that each group member's achievement is reliant
on the group's success” (Felder, 2007). In addition, a variety of learning
activities are performed in each group to develop students’ comprehension of a
subject. Each member of a team is accountable
for his or her learning taught as well as for helping each team member learn while
creating an environment conducive of learning.
Johnson
(1989, 2005), describes Cooperative Learning “as instructional use of small
groups where students work together to maximize their own and each other’s
learning goals”. Cooperative Learning entails the execution of the five
Essential Elements for full effectiveness, which includes “interdependence,
individual and group accountability, promotive interaction, appropriate use of
social skills, and group processing” (Johnson 1989, 2005, p.6)
http://www.co-operation.org/home/introduction-to-cooperative-learning/. Incorporating the five essential elements into
cooperative learning groups supports a culturally competent setting for a group
of diversestudents.
The use
and development of the cooperative learning practice can support a more
culturally responsive environment for student learning because it promotes
positive relations among different ethnic groups and establishes environments in
which academic accomplishments and students values are respected. For example, when students are working in cooperative
learning groups it allow students to bridge their cultural differences through
effective communication while working with other students on projects and course works that are both
culturally related to them.
In reviews performed by Felder and Johnson, I find both
studies to be useful in identifying what cooperative learning is for the
reasons that they both include various methods of implementing cooperative
learning groups effectively in a classroom setting. They also suggest ways to
master and increase the benefits of the cooperative learning method so that one
can manage the complexities that may occur when cooperative learning is put
into practice.
Reference:
Felder, R. M. (2007). Cooperative
Learning. Retrieved from http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/CLChapter.pdf
Johnson D. W., & Johnson, R. (1989, 2005).
Introduction to Cooperative Learning: A
Overview of Cooperative Learning. Edina, MN: interaction Book Company.
http://www.co-operation.org/home/introduction-to-cooperative-learning/
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