Co-operative Learning

Cooperative Learning is one of the most researched educational innovations and has proven to be a highly effective learning strategy. It is a structured yet flexible approach to learning and teaching which involves problem solving, learning through talk, positive interdependence, individual accountability and emphasis on both social and academic skills. Students work in small groups to achieve both an academic and a social goal, reflecting on the learning process, communicating ideas, building self confidence and promoting a community atmosphere. The strategy seeks to prepare students for the interdependent nature of the world of work by allowing them the opportunity to develop the social skills and work ethic needed for the future. As well as fulfilling the purposes of education, the techniques provide a context in which other national and local initiatives such as Assessment is for Learning, Determined to Succeed and the Highland Council Reflection Framework flourish.

Points Arising from Research

Increased academic attainment
Improved inter-group relations
Improved integration of special needs students
Greater intrinsic motivation
Improved self-esteem
Increased retention
Greater social support
More on-task behaviour
Better attitudes to teachers
Better attitudes toward school
Improved collaborative skills

5 Key Elements of Co-operative Learning

Positive Interdependence

When all members of a group feel connected to each other in the accomplishment of a common goal. All individuals must succeed for the group to succeed.

Individual Accountability

Holding every member of the group responsible to demonstrate accomplishment of the learning.

Face to Face Interaction

When group members are close in proximity to each other and dialogue with each other in ways that promote continued progress.

Social Skills

Human interaction skills that enable groups to function effectively (for example, taking turns, encouraging, listening, giving help, clarifying, checking, understanding, probing) Such skills enhance communication, trust, leadership, decision –making and conflict management.

Group Processing

When group members assess their collaborative efforts and target improvements.

Links with Curriculum for Excellence

Enabling all pupils to become “successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens” is unlikely to be achieved by adding new initiatives into an already overcrowded curriculum. Rather, Cooperative learning enables us to transform the ways in which teachers teach and pupils learn so that the learning environment supports and promotes these outcomes.

Effective Contributors	Confident individuals
Improved Inter group relations Greater Intrinsic motivation Greater Social support Improved collaborative skills	Increased academic attainment Improved integration of special needs students Greater intrinsic motivation Improved self-esteem More on-task behaviour Better attitudes to teachers
Successful Learners	Responsible citizens
Increased Academic attainment Greater intrinsic motivation Improved self esteem Increased retention More on task behaviour Improved collaborative skills	Improved inter-group relations Greater social support Better attitudes to teachers Better attitudes toward school

Reflection and Discussion

Which areas of the above do you recognise in your current school/classroom practice?

Are there any strategies that you would consider adopting to encourage co-operative small group learning in your school/classroom?

Key element	Objective	Action

Positive Interdependence	Group members perceive that they need each other in order to complete the group’s task	Group members share one worksheet. Each member is assigned a different aspect of the group’s task
Individual Accountability for the group to be successful	Every member must be successful	Randomly select a group member to give answer for the group
Face to Face Interaction	Activities for each group are structured to ensure a close physical arrangement and eye contact	Giving and receiving explanations, sitting near other group members.
Social Skills	Collaborative behaviour demonstrated during the task is assessed.	Identifying examples of encouraging the behaviour to be rewarded.
Group Processing	Members reassess then modify the processes and interactions of the group	Reflect on the interactions that have taken place while completing a task