Cooperative Learning

 

A community "[is] an inherently cooperative, cohesive, and self-reflective group entity where everyone feels that he
or she belongs, and whose members work on a regular, face-to-face basis toward common goals while
respecting a variety of perspectives, values, and life styles." (Graves, 1994).

Cooperative Learning in the Classroom
Cooperative learning is not simply students working in groups. Johnson, Johnson, and Smith (1991) identify the following elements as foundational to Cooperative Learning :
1. Positive interdependence- students must work together to achieve the goal.
2. Individual accountability - each student in the group is responsible for doing their share of the work . If one person does not contribute his/her share, the group suffers the consequences.
3. Face-to-face interaction - Some parts of the activity must be completed through group interaction, feedback, reasoning, and teaching and encouraging one another.

4. Use of collaborative skills - developing and practicing trust-building, leadership, decision-making, communication, and conflict management skills.
5. Group processes - group planning, identifying group goals and group assessment.

How do I do it? What does it look like? How do I assess? How can I learn more? What is it?

Best Practices: Pieces of the Puzzle

Copyright 2003 Regina Public Schools and Saskatchewan Learning