Disadvantages Of Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning is “now the most recognized instructional models in education worldwide”(Metzler 228). Cooperative learning is basically having students learn with, by and for each other which is the major theme of Cooperative Learning. In this model, Student Team Learning (STL) states how there are three main concepts to focus on. The three are: team rewards, individual accountability, and equal opportunities.
In Cooperative Learning there are six major elements that take part. The six are intentional group formation, continuity of group interaction, interdependence among group members, explicit attention to the development of social skills, and instructor as facilitator. These six elements form under the model and gives cooperative …show more content…
Some advantages are students learn dispositions about shared tasks and group challenges, students develop a greater understanding of self and others for the shared work, students can make choices that regulate the pace and process of learning, and students can learn to manage and use human resources (Metzler 233). There are also many disadvantages that come along with this model. There may be one student that dominates the group and takes control, there may be some students that feel they are contributing more. There are students who try hard but make a lesser contribution to the team may feel ashamed or become defensive, and some students may limit their own contribution (and learning) to allow other students a greater chance to contribute (Metzler 233). Along with the advantages and disadvantages there comes positive outputs from using this model in particular. There are four major theory sets in cooperative learning: Motivational theory which “is used to create structures that get teams to recognize that the only way the team can achieve is for all its members to contribute and achieve”(Metzler 235). Cognitive theory “is used to provide students with developmentally appropriate cooperative learning tasks that gave teams the right amount of challenge to accomplish team goals” (Metzler 235). Social learning theory “figures into the model because much of the learning occurs by listening to and …show more content…
You want to make sure you never do a activity too advanced or not advanced enough with your students. An example of a cooperative learning activity in an elementary setting could be the “Scooter Scramble”. The scooter scramble is best used with grades K-2. In the scooter scramble you will need one scooter per student, four different colored pinnies, four containers marked with the colored pinnie, and any type of equipment that can be carried on a scooter for example a bean bag, balls, etc., and as many items as possible. In this activity you need to explain to the students how working together is extremely important in team sports. Once all the equipment is out and scattered across the gym you will split your class into 4 groups and the students will make a goal of how many items they can collect and bring to the garbage cans. The challenge in this activity is for the students to figure out how to carry the equipment along with scrambling around on their scooter. Once all the equipment is picked up, the students can check who has the most items in the garage cans and whoever has the most wins. Once the first task is completed you can make variations. Variations that can be made are changing the teams, specifying that you can only collect a certain object on the floor and you have to avoid all the others while on the