Cooperative Learning and Student Achievement Essay

Cooperative Learning and Student Achievement - Essay Example Many studies have indicated that cooperative learning is indeed more beneficial to student achievement than the individualistic approach; however, there are distinctions and conditions that must be met in order for learners to benefit from being involved in cooperative learning (Yamarika, 2007). This essay discusses the benefits and conditions for effective cooperative learning. Benefits of Cooperative Learning Cooperative learning enables students to benefit from the efforts and successes of fellow students, giving each student the chance to contribute to the success and achievement of self and that of others. In addition, it allows students to recognize their abilities by making the contributions of each group member a valuable component of the learning process. Since each student has different talents and abilities, the groups benefit from the contributions of members and each member feels as a valuable component of the team due to the knowledge that the group may not have an idea until one contributes it. Moreover, individual achievement is celebrated by the whole group since group members feel that they played a role in the success, which motivates them to try harder (Yamarika, 2007). Some of the benefits of cooperative learning include: Cooperative learning results in better learning and academic achievement as compared to other learning approaches. Cooperative learning increases retention of content learned in class by students for later application. Students derive greater satisfaction from the learning experience, and they are encouraged to seek more knowledge. Students develop communication skills as they explain the subject matter to others and listen as their peers explain a point. Students develop social skills that are necessary as survival skills after school. Student self-esteem is boosted as students realize that they can learn on their own, and they have knowledge that others do not have. Cooperative learning promotes healthy interactions betw een students from various races, religions and other socioeconomic backgrounds. All these factors have positive effects on a student’s grade, and that is why cooperative learning in schools should be promoted (Roseth, Johnson, & Johnson, 2008). Conditions for Effective Cooperative Learning In order for cooperative learning to be effective, some conditions must be met; failure to meet these conditions may reduce the effectiveness of the approach, or even result in negative results on the learning experience and the performance of learners. If these conditions are met, then cooperative learning proves to be far more an effective approach to learning than individualistic and competitive approaches (Yamarika, 2007). Positive Interdependence Each group member’s contribution is unique and necessary for the success of the group, and members should be encouraged to participate as the input of each of them is directly related to the group achievement. The group should avoid foc using on the contributions of some members and ignoring the contributions or questions of others so that the group can learn as a holistic unit and not as disjointed units of individuals (Johnson & Johnson, 2009). Face-to-face Interaction This allows members to interact directly with each other in the form of oral explanation of concepts, teaching others new knowledge, analysis of level of