Cooperative learning as socially structured, mutually accountable group learning¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 3 studies (2 review, 1 design), q2 · 0 of 3 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The chapter defines cooperative learning using Olsen and Kagan's formulation: "Cooperative Learning is group learning activity organized so that learning is dependent on the socially structured exchange of information between learners in groups." Each learner "is held accountable for his or her own learning and is motivated to increase the learning of others." The chapter grounds this in Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, Wittrock's Theory of Cognitive Elaboration, and Deutsch's theory of goal structures, and presents it as a method for language teachers whose typical group work disappoints.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Group work must be structured so learning depends on socially structured exchange of information between learners, with individual accountability to self and group.

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• language learners in elementary, secondary, and adult classrooms in Japan

Target Learning Objectives¶

• communicative competence
• achievement of individual and group learning goals

Claims¶

• Research in language classes suggested cooperative learning was better than whole-class instruction for language skills and produced more student turns than teacher-centered classes [+W]
• A meta-analysis of 352 studies found achievement was higher for students engaged in cooperative learning than in competitive or individualistic learning [+M]
• Heterogeneously grouped teams show more benefits than homogeneously formed teams [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Five common models of cooperative learning
• Johnson and Johnson's four basic elements of cooperative learning
• Five basic elements make cooperative learning work: positive interdependence, face-to-face interaction, individual accountability, interpersonal and small group skills, and group processing
• Kagan's PIES principles of cooperative learning

Examples¶

• Nine key elements structuring a cooperative lesson
• Use cooperative group work especially in areas requiring mutual trust, communication, and practice, and direct higher education students to cooperation often
• Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies
• Cooperative Learning Strategies
• Cooperative Classroom Activities

Key Sources¶

• Kluge, David. (1999). A Brief Introduction to Cooperative Learning. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED437840