Cooperative Learning Groups

In Block II of my education courses at UAH, I have learned extensively about cooperative learning groups and models for teaching. Due to the focus on cognitive processes of learning, cooperative learning develops schemas and promotes social interaction between students. The five elements listed in the article are important to the process of learning through a cooperative group.
Positive Interdependence is important because even though the students may be working in a group, each student has a specific task that they should contribute to the group.
Individual Accountability and Personal Responsibility are vital in a group setting because each student should participate. No one student should shoulder the burden for the entire group. Each member, through contributing information, fullfills their responsibility to the group.
Face-to-Face Promotive Interaction is key when working in a group. Because we do not all come from the same place and do not have the same background, we all have different perspectives to contribute. When students are working in small groups, they should be divided my mixed gender, ethnicity, and ability. This is because students tend to segregate themselves when choosing their own groups. Through mixing the groups, students are able to have conversations with other students. I know that as I have worked in cooperative groups, I have gained valuable knowledge from my classmates. They have thoughts and perspectives that never crossed my mind. This would not be achieved without face-to-face interactions.
Interpersonal and Small Group Skills are also important to cooperative learning. Throughout the student's entire life, he will need the tools to function in social settings. Learning how to best communicate feelings and ideas can be tricky without practice. By working with other students in cooperative groups, students can practice these skills and become more adept in social interactioons.
Group Processing is the final element in cooperative learning groups. It is the culmination of the entire group process. Students can reflect on the success of their group, discuss what changes should be made, and value their strengths. The group can take pride in their work as a team and this helps them to build strong bonds with their classmates.