Is Cooperative Learning an Effective Instructional Method?
Cooperative learning is an instructional approach that utilizes small groups of students working together to accomplish shared goals. Over the last 25 years, a number of different cooperative learning approaches have been proposed. As teachers become more familiar with these different approaches, cooperative learning is being implemented in more classrooms. Side 1: Cooperative learning is an important instructional approach because it teaches students how to work together. Research has shown that cooperative learning increases student self-esteem, student motivation, and student relationships. In today’s business world, people are expected to be team players. Cooperative learning helps train students for this role. Side 2: Cooperative learning has the potential to result in overly dependent students. If cooperative learning is not run well, some students may come to depend on their classmates to do all the work. This may cause animosity between group members. [Top] CHAPTER 12: Motivati
