Cooperative and Collaborative Learning

There is no such thing as best approach to every single class discussion. It must be varied such that there are varied learners.

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The fact that there are many approach of teaching and learning, cooperative and collaborative learning approach would be two of the many approach the teacher could use in simulating learning.

Cooperative learning as defined is a teaching method where students of mixed levels of ability are grouped and rewarded according to their group's success, rather than the success of an individual member.

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According to Johnson and Johnson, cooperative learning encourages students to work in groups and teams. The core aim of this group or team is to achieve a specific task. In this new method of learning, students learn much more than what they can learn in the typical mode of learning because every member must contribute his/her part.

There are different strategies in cooperative learning. The most common are the following:

• Think-pair-share

Think-Pair-Share (TPS) is a collaborative learning strategy in which students work together to solve a problem or answer a question about an assigned reading. This technique requires students to think individually about a topic or answer to a question and share ideas with classmates.

• Jigsaw Puzzle

The jigsaw technique is a method of organizing classroom activity that makes students dependent on each other to succeed. It breaks classes into groups and breaks assignments into pieces that the group assembles to complete the (jigsaw) puzzle.

• Reciprocal Teaching

Reciprocal teaching refers to an instructional activity in which students become the teacher in small group reading sessions. There is a teacher-model that will help students learn to guide group discussions using four strategies: summarizing, question generating, clarifying, and predicting.

Collaborative learning on the other hand is an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves groups of students working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product.The team sees value in working together as the common goal gives them a meaningful reason to work together.

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The cooperative learning approach is ideal in managing big number of students in a class into small groups. It is also an advantage for teacher to apply this because effort is less exerted and it covers lesser time in teaching. Moreover, collaborative learning approach is ideal in creating a more interactive atmosphere in the classroom. If cooperative learning approach is allowing each member of the group to share and show cooperation then collaborative learning approach is allowing cooperation among groups of the class.

Both cooperative and collaborative learning approach develops student's self esteem, promote leadership, enhance higher order thingking skills and creates communication raport among students. It also creates a positive atmosphere for learning and allows an interactive discussion between students and teacher.

References
https://wikipedia.org
https://teachingchannel.org