The Positive And Negative Effects Of Cooperative Learning In The Classroom

Register to read the introduction… Gillies and Ashman 1996 (written in Gillies and Ashman 2003 page 38) observed that students who worked in groups using CL used a more inclusive vocabulary, and were more inclined to explain work to other students in terms they could understand and in more depth, with more detail. Another benefit of CL is positive interdependence, when they learn what Johnson and Johnson call the ‘we’ rather than the ‘me’ element (Johnson and Johnson, cited in Thomson, 2000), this factor encourages each student to look out for other group members because they understand that what’s important is the ‘whole’ and not themselves, they take on a group mentality which will ensure that they interact better with other students in both a group situation and a social …show more content…
To address this I could alternate CL groupings i.e. sometimes the students would be in mixed ability groups and sometimes the students would be in same ability groups, or at least have the medium to lower level students in mixed groups with the high level students in same ability groups. This would give the high level students opportunities to extend themselves, while also allowing them to help students who may be struggling at times.

Works Cited

Bainbridge, C.(2010) Co operative Learning. Retrieved March 25, 2010 from http://giftedkids.about.com/od/glossary/g/coop_learning.htm
Gillies, R., Ashman, A.(2003) Co-operative learning: The social and intellectual outcomes of learning in groups
Johnson, D., Johnson, R.& Holubec, E. (1998). Cooperation in the classroom. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Thomson, C. (2000) Co-operative learning : what it has to offer New Zealand teachers Research information for teachers ; no.3 (p. 38-41)
Johnson, T. & Johnson, R.(n.d.) Cooperative learning, values, and culturally plural classrooms. Retrieved March 28, 2010 from