By Strategies such as group contracts, “Jigsaw” or “Think-Share-Comment” are very useful to stimulate group cooperation. If you are a teacher or are in charge of a group, don’t miss these lines.
The purpose of cooperative learning is for each student to contribute his or her knowledge and skills to the group, while also benefiting from the skills and contributions of others. It is a valuable process in the workplace, socially, in the community or in education, and offers personal and group benefits.
In this article, we will focus on the school context by exploring the main differences with collaborative learning, pointing out several practices based on cooperation and highlighting some of its benefits.
What is cooperative learning?
Cooperation is based on values such as solidarity, trust, reciprocity and mutual commitment. It involves coordinating efforts and sharing resources in order to solve a problem together.
This cooperative learning methodology involves students working in groups, usually small, to achieve common goals. Although each member assumes a specific role and has individual responsibilities , their contribution only becomes valuable in cooperation with the contributions of others. Mutual support is necessary for learning.
Spencer Kagan , an American psychologist and educator, is one of the leading exponents of this concept. He is known for his focus on cooperation structures, which are strategies designed to facilitate interaction between students and thus promote learning.
The importance of role assignment
Assigning roles is essential to the success of any cooperative project. When students have defined roles, they know what is expected of them and how to contribute to the achievement of group goals. This reduces confusion and conflict within the team, as each person is aware of their role and that of their peers. In addition, it promotes a participative and productive work environment.
While assigned positions may vary depending on the specific needs of each particular project, some common examples include the following:
- Overall Leader: Responsible for coordinating activities and ensuring that pre-established deadlines and objectives are met.
- Facilitator: responsible for maintaining the flow of the discussion and ensuring the active participation of all members.
- Spokesperson: This is the group’s representative. He or she is responsible for presenting the work to the rest of the class.
- Time controller: This person is responsible for managing the time frames for each task, within the different stages of the work.
In a research project, for example, roles can be even more specific and related to the activity itself. In this case, one student would play the role of researcher, responsible for consulting sources and gathering relevant information. Another could make sure that the group has all the necessary materials and resources . Meanwhile, a third classmate takes on the task of writing and editing reports or presentations.
Clear distribution of responsibilities allows each team member to focus on specific areas, thereby maximizing the efficiency and success of the project as a whole.
Differences between cooperative learning and collaborative learning
The terms “cooperative learning” and “ collaborative learning ” are often used interchangeably . Although they share certain similarities, they are not identical.
At the level of interdependence, in cooperative learning, students depend on each other to complete the task and achieve shared goals. In contrast, in collaborative learning, the degree of interaction required may be flexible or less clear, as it varies depending on the situation.
Therefore, in the first case, there is greater emphasis on individual responsibility towards the group, contributing to collective success . In addition, we have already said that it involves assigning specific roles to each member and thus distributing tasks equitably.
In collaborative learning, however , roles may be less defined or emerge organically and implicitly, depending on the individual skills and strengths of the participants.
How to apply cooperative learning in the classroom?
In general terms, it is crucial to propose a variety of group activities in which clear and shared goals are established, and each member assumes a specific role. Joint research projects and sports activities are efficient ways to stimulate cooperation at school .
It is also helpful to provide structures and tools designed to facilitate interaction and equal participation of all students. Some of the methodologies to consider are the following.
Puzzle or Jigsaw
When using the Jigsaw method , the class is divided into small groups, with each member becoming an expert on a specific aspect of the general topic and then teaching it to the rest, as if each member were a key piece of the puzzle.
«Think-Share-Comment» or Think-Pair-Share
This is a strategy suggested by Frank Lyman and his team in the 1980s. Think-Pair-Share involves students reflecting on a question or topic, then pairing up with a partner to share their ideas , and finally presenting their conceptualizations or discussion to the entire group.
«Teams-Games-Tournaments » or «Teams-Games-Tournaments»
Devised by Robert Slavin, an influential psychologist and educational researcher, this technique consists of grouping students into teams of four or five members. For this classification, the different performance levels of the members are taken into account.
Students are then offered games in which they compete against each other. Finally, the teams compete in a final tournament based on the accumulated results.
Rotation of seasons
Students move between different stations to participate in specific activities related to a topic or concept. In this way, everyone rotates through different responsibilities.
Group contract
The students collaboratively create and write a “contract” that establishes the distribution of tasks, rules and expectations for teamwork. Everyone signs the agreement, which increases the level of commitment.
Main benefits of cooperation
At both the individual and collective level, participating in cooperative activities brings with it a number of advantages that are worth exploring.
Promotes the development of social and emotional skills
When the focus is on learning through cooperation, students not only consolidate their academic knowledge in a more dynamic way, but they also learn to relate constructively with their peers.
The ongoing interaction required in these types of activities provides the opportunity to develop and strengthen key social skills, such as assertive communication , empathy, and leadership . During these experiences, students learn to listen to others, express their ideas, and assume responsibilities.
Promotes active participation
In the school context, it is very common that only some children stand out when speaking or leading discussions, while other students do not dare to participate in class . However, with cooperative learning this dynamic changes.
Each student has a specific role to play and feels valued for their contribution, which motivates them to take initiative and become more committed to the task as a whole.
Task distribution ensures that everyone is actively involved in the learning process, rather than leaving it to just a few.
Facilitates support and respect among peers
By working in cooperative teams, students recognize the diversity of perspectives and knowledge that each brings to the group. In this way, the value of both their own contributions and those of their peers is fostered.
In addition, they may offer help and guidance when others need it, while being open to external support. This dynamic of reciprocal altruism creates an environment of trust and collaboration, where everyone can grow and learn together.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
The cooperative learning approach recognizes that each person has unique strengths and abilities, and that by working as a team, results can be achieved that transcend individual capabilities.
At its core, cooperation is a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the power of working in harmony towards a common goal. If you are a teacher or work with groups of people, incorporating these types of methodologies into your activities would be extremely beneficial. Give it a try !