ABSTRACT
During cooperative learning activities, students work to complete tasks that help them learn individually, and that help group members learn as well. In short, cooperative learning places students in groups to maximize their learning. Educational researchers have examined cooperative learning extensively for several decades. Research studies consistently find that cooperative learning has positive effects on student achievement because the process of interacting with others promotes learning. Cooperative learning has a positive impact on social interactions among students, because students learn how to interact with one another. When people cooperate, they have positive interdependence on each other. Students must see that they need one another to accomplish a task and to learn. Many of the cognitive and social benefits of cooperative learning occur during face-to-face group interactions and discussions. Requiring students to meet and work as a group is essential.
