Cooperative Learning

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of cooperative learning, an educational method that aims to let the student experience learning not only with the teacher, but with other students as well. The paper describes the goals of cooperative learning, including the very positive aspects of this approach. Additionally, the negative aspects of cooperative learning, which can become impediments to student learning and the teacher's role, are also presented. The author concludes that these conflicting findings in the literature suggest that as a new technique in teaching, cooperative learning still has a long way to go in making a significant improvement to a student's educational development.

From the Paper:

"Defined as an "instructional method in which students work in small groups to accomplish a common learning goal under the guidance of the teacher," cooperative learning has been applied to educational institutions for its advantages, such as increased interaction among students, collaborative learning, and development of students' interpersonal and group skills as they accomplish a particular task or activity (Lin, 2006:34-5). In the texts that follow, the researcher provides an in-depth discussion and analysis of the advantages and disadvantages that cooperative learning has with regards to student learning and as a teaching method."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bandiera, M. (2006). "Active/cooperative learning in schools." Journal of Biological Education, Vol. 40, Issue 3.
• Buchs, C. (2004). "Resource interdependence, student interactions, and performance in cooperative learning." Educational Psychology, Vol. 24, Issue 3.
• Coke, P. (2005). "Practicing what we preach: an argument for cooperative learning opportunities for elementary and secondary educators." Education, Vol. 126, Issue 2.
• Laatsch, L. (2005). "Cooperative learning effects on teamwork attitudes in clinical laboratory science students." Clinical Laboratory Science, Vol. 18, Issue 3.
• Lin, E. (2006). "Cooperative learning in the science classroom." Science Teacher, Vol. 73, Issue 5.

More papers on Cooperative Learning:

• Research Paper # 51987 : "Cooperative Learning and English Language Learners"
• Case Study # 149595 : "How Cooperative Learning Encourages Cultural Diversity and Academic Achievement"
• Analytical Essay # 54453 : "Cooperative Learning"

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