Reflection 5:What is Cooperative/Collaborative Learning?

When talking about both cooperative and collaborative learning we must first define each. Even though they are both similar as far as grouping students they still have their own differences. Cooperative and collaborative learning differ from the traditional learning methods in that the students are learning to work with each other rather than competing. Theses learning methods are very helpful within the students growing process in so many ways.
Collaborative learning would be described as a group if students coming together to better understand and explore an assignment or question. They group together to discuss a lecture or project but this is done over the internet. These groups can be also be called teams or be made of up students from various schools.

Cooperative learning are also students formed as a group but each student is given their own set of work to contribute towards to the final assignment. They work together more face-to-face rather than over the internet. In order for cooperative learning to take place three things must occur. To begin one, the students must feel a sense of security, they must feel safe. Two, the groups cannot be too large. The groups must be small so that each students opinion is heard. Last but not least, three, the work that is given to the students must be understood, clearly defined.

Cooperative and collaborative learning is a very helpful way within the students growing process because they are faced with challenges that they will also face in the real world. Challenges such as learning to deal with conflict amongst others. When a group of people are put into groups there is going to be conflict due to the fact that everyone is different and is entitled to their own opinion. Being social is also an important part of growing and this occurs during cooperative and collaborative learning. The students are improving their interpersonal skills by having to talk to their fellow classmates, getting to know them and understanding their opinions. By doing this the students are becoming open minded and when a student becomes open minded they become educated to the real world and those around them.

In conclusion cooperative and collaborative learning helps students gain more knowledge is several ways. The students are actively participating, diversity is welcomed while all opinions are a contribution, learning to use research tool such as the internet, students are able to learn how to deal with conflict when it occurs. More positive results sue to cooperative and collaborative learning would include increase in self-esteem, better understanding in the lesson, improved achievement in grades and higher motivation.