Pschological perspective of Co-operative Learning

January 8th, 2010 by Jashodhara Purkayastha

A perspective on learning/teaching is an inter-related set of beliefs and intentions that gives direction and justification of our action.

What is cooperative learning?

“Two are better than one ” According to Johnson and Holubec– Co-operative learning is the instructional use of small groups through which students work together to maximize their own and each others learning.”

Co-operative learning involves structuring classes around small groups that work together in such a way that each group member’s success is dependent on the group’s success.

There are three psychological perspectives of cooperative learning

1) Motivational Perspective—-Small groups can be rewarded. It is mainly focused on rewards or goals.

2) Social cohesion Perspective— Rely on one another for success. Help each other to learn. Know the team properly and individual’s importance.

3) Cognitive Perspective—-This can be divided into two parts–

a) Developmental Perspective— Interaction among the group increases and their mastery of the concept is clear and long-lasting. The discussion will take place in the group and the team will learn from each other. Develop better critical skills.

b)Cognitive elaboration Perspective—Lear nee must engage in learning. They must learn the topic together for better results. Remember better and longer.

Characteristics of Co-operative learning

There are Five Characteristics of cooperative Learning.

a) Team Formation: In co-operative learning, there should be 2 to 4 students in a   group. Two to four students will discuss properly and learn the given topic successfully.

b) Positive interdependence: Team should trust each other to achieve their goal.

c) Individual Accountability: Every member of the team should know each ones ability. Every member should know the importance of each individual. Everyone should learn in that process.

d) Social skill: Every member should listen to others’ views, resolve conflicts. Unity among the team is very important. Team spirit is needed in cooperative learning.

e) Structuring and structure: Some of the simplest structures are:

i) Think-pair-share—Students think of answers individually, then form pair and answer jointly, then share with the class.

ii) Numbered head together—A team of 4. Each one is given 1,2,3,4. Questions are asked. Group will work together and answer the question.

iii) Round table–Can be used to brainstorm ideas, discuss among the group. Pen and paper are required. One of the group members will answer. When the time is called, the group stops.

iv) Jigsaw—Group with 5 students. It is a puzzle.

Thus it can be concluded that cooperative learning is successful when every member of the team has learned the material or has understood the given material. The students grow socially, intellectually, and positively.

Posted in Psychology | 1 Comment »

One Response

  1. Sanjeev Sharma Says:

    Learning in group becomes easy it teaches team work and co-ordination. A group of four of five people make each other comfortable and learn from each other.
    Learning is life long a man is a alive till he is ready to learn.

    This is good article but needs good implementation in schools.

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