EME 2040 - Reflection 5

Cooperative/collaborative learning is when the instructor teams their students together to learn and work on projects or activities together. Students sitting in groups discussing the chapter of a lecture is an example of collaborative learning. Students can even use collaborative learning at home, online by discussing with their classmates, or even students in different schools the topic. In cooperative learning, the students should be graded for their individual work, as well as the group's ability to work as a whole. Not only does this help each other to understand other points of view but it gives the student some experience with team work to help them prepare at a job environment later when they are adults. In these groups the student can share what they know and their strengths with their friends and also receive feedback and tips for their weaker skills. The student will also develop skills to come up with agreements when one of their cohorts develop a conflicting ideal. There are three things that are necessary for the ideal cooperative learning environment. First, the student should feel safe amongst their peers, but a big of a challenge is needed to spark that competitiveness in them. Second, the groups shouldn't be too big. This way it is easier for everyone to contribute. Third, the instructor should clearly define the assignment so that the student actually knows what he/she is doing. I have noticed in my experience in school that sometimes one students will put in more work and effort than the others in group work. I believe that in order to avoid this, the instructor should individually assign to each student a sub-subject to make up the whole subject, while still preserving the encouragement of sharing thoughts and ideas with each other. It would be best for the instructor to follow up with the groups to make sure everyone is doing their work as assigned and not taking advantage of the more invigorated one. When properly done, cooperative/collaborative learning is a very efficient method of better understanding the topic, and developing social skills.