Cooperative learning: planning for success

Cooperative learning activities are designed so that students teach each other while the instructor acts as a facilitator/manager in helping the groups accomplish their goals. A positive outcome of these interactions is the development of an intrinsic motivation to learn, which is more valuable in the learning process than controlling for external rewards. Cooperative groups were found to have greater productivity, better individual effort and coordination of effort, more attention to fellow group members, more positive communication than competitive groups, more effective work habits, and demonstration of a greater need for each other.