What Is Cooperative Learning: Definition, Methods, and Activities

Key takeaways:

• Cooperative learning is an instructional method that relies on structured group learning.
• Students who learn cooperatively achieve better results and have higher self-confidence and motivation.
• Cooperative learning techniques include round robin brainstorming, reciprocal teaching, and think-pair-share.

From better English speaking skills to higher confidence and improved leadership abilities, cooperative learning has many benefits. But what is the definition of cooperative learning? What are some of the best cooperative learning techniques? And how do you actually implement these methods in your ESL classroom? 

In this article, we’ll cover all those topics and more, including cooperative learning roles and activities that your students won’t be able to resist.

Cooperative learning definition

Cooperative learning is an instructional method that utilizes group learning in structured ways. Usually, students are divided into small groups. Each person is given their own role within that group, and with a coordinated effort, the group works on and finishes the set task together.

Teachers are often involved in creating the groups and assigning specific tasks and roles to each student. One person may work on researching a particular subject, another may be in charge of writing a presentation, and so on. 

Note: Cooperative learning is not the same thing as collaborative learning. To learn about the difference between these two methods, watch this helpful YouTube video:

Why cooperative learning works

Now that you know the definition of cooperative learning, let’s dive into why cooperative learning is so popular these days.

Studies show that it’s a very effective method of learning. According to Carolyn M. Keeler’s report, students who worked cooperatively in a class achieved higher final scores. Another study on cooperative learning techniques showed that learners displayed higher motivation and self-confidence when learning in groups.

But why are these cooperative learning methods so impactful?

Cooperative learning utilizes several learning methods at once, which leads to better results and a more positive classroom atmosphere.

When students are asked to learn in a group setting, they need to engage in active discussion. They’re not just relying on themselves; they’re relying on the entire group, and the group also relies on them. This interdependence leads to higher personal responsibility and promotes interpersonal skills.

What’s more, with each student having their own role, they’re able to dive deep into one specific area, dedicating their energy to perfecting their task before coming back to the group. This prepares them for potentially doing more extensive research in higher education.

How to implement cooperative learning in English classes

While the cooperative learning definition and benefits may be clear to you now, the question still remains: How do you actually use this technique in your classroom?

There are several activities and methods you can try. But before we get into those, it’s important to understand the different cooperative learning roles.

Cooperative learning roles

In cooperative learning, there are two roles to consider: the teacher and the student. Here’s what is expected of each:

1. Teacher’s role:

The teacher is the one who creates or suggests the structure and acts as a guide for the students. For example, in an English language class, the teacher may:

• Assign a topic to each group: In a lesson about sports vocabulary, one group is in charge of winter sports while another tackles summer sports.
• Assign roles to each student: One student is in charge of researching vocabulary, another creates example sentences, and another prepares a short quiz for the group.
• Oversee and support productive teamwork: If the group encounters an issue, it’s the teacher’s job to guide them toward more effective and harmonious collaboration.

2. Student’s role:

The students are the ones who actually engage in the learning actively. Once the teacher explains the cooperative learning method the class will be using and assigns all roles, the students work together to complete their tasks, share their findings, and support one another in achieving the group’s goals.

What exactly is expected of each student will depend on the activity that the teacher sets.

Top cooperative learning activities

There are several ways in which you can incorporate cooperative learning techniques in your ESL classroom. Here are five of the best ones to start with:

1. Jigsaw or puzzle learning

With this cooperative learning method, the teacher divides students into several teams. Each member of the team is assigned a specific topic, and it’s their job to become an “expert” in that topic.

Let’s say the class is learning about verb tenses. Each member of the team gets assigned one tense, such as the present perfect. All teams have an expert on this tense. 

Once the roles are assigned, all present perfect experts get together and work on the topic. Then, each expert returns to their original team and tells them what they’ve learned.

All experts do this with their assigned topic. This method helps students master their own topic, but they also get to improve their communication and teaching skills.

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2. Think-pair-share

Instead of relying on bigger groups, the think-pair-share cooperative learning method only requires students to work with just one partner.

The teacher asks their students a question. For instance, they ask them to list as many synonyms of the word “happy” as possible. Each student then writes down their answer.

After they’ve had enough time to think, the learners turn to their partner. Each pair discusses their answers and shares their ideas with one another.

Finally, the teacher can ask the pairs to share their answers with the class. This is one of the most effective cooperative learning techniques when it comes to keeping students engaged and ensuring that everyone contributes to the discussion.

3. Round robin brainstorming

Round robin brainstorming is a fun and fast-paced cooperative learning method. The teacher divides the class into small groups and assigns them a topic, such as business English vocabulary.

The students then take turns in a sequence. One person starts, sharing a word they’ve thought of (e.g., “marketing”). The person next to them says another word (e.g., “stakeholder”), and so on. Each learner gets to contribute, with the one rule being that no word can be repeated.

This technique promotes listening skills, as well as creative thinking and on-the-spot problem solving.

4. Reciprocal teaching

In the reciprocal teaching cooperative learning method, students are divided into small groups, and each person is assigned a role.

For example, if the class is working on English news articles, each group is given one article. Within the group, there is one person whose job it is to summarize the first paragraph. Another person asks questions about it, the next one clarifies difficult words, and the fourth predicts what might come next.

Once the students are done with the first paragraph, they move on to the second and switch roles. The summarizer becomes the questioner, the questioner becomes the clarifier, etc.

This method is a great way for students to improve their reading and teaching skills.

Promova — your cooperative learning partner

Want to try learning English in a cooperative setting? Try Promova’s online group lessons. You’ll get to learn in small groups of up to 6 people with the guidance of experienced language tutors and experts.

All lessons are fun, lively, and flexible, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to fit them into your schedule. Whether you want to learn English for travel or business purposes, Promova can help you improve and gain more confidence.

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Final thoughts

In this article, we explained the definition of cooperative learning and dove into some of the most popular cooperative learning methods and techniques. There are so many benefits to learning and teaching cooperatively, so why not try it out for yourself?