Cooperative Learning

Since my last blog post discussed a cooperative learning lesson my group and I conducted I think it's important to go over what cooperative learning is and why we do

Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy involving student participation in small group learning. These group learning activities promote positive interaction. 

Cooperative learning promotes academic achievement, is relatively easy to implement, and is not expensive. Children's improved behavior and attendance, and increased liking of school, are some of the benefits of cooperative learning (Slavin, 1987).

Despite being used with mostly older students it can be used with all grade level students because it promotes student motivation, encourages group processes, fosters social and academic interaction among students, and rewards successful participation. Students are also fored to go more indepth on the material during cooperative learning. These are all important when trying to create active learners.

Research finds that cooperative learning activities improve children's relationships with peers, especially those of different social and ethnic groups. This can be an important step in bridging the divide between groups of students. Cooperative learning is also said to create a positive outlook towards school which will lead to further success even after the student leaves your classroom. As a teacher you always hope to leave a positive impact on the student that they will use for the rest of their lives. Cooperative learning helps this happen.