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What is the difference between Cooperative and Collaborative Learning?

Key Difference: The main difference between cooperative and collaborative learning is that in cooperative learning, students work together in pairs or groups to complete a task, whereas, in collaborative learning, students work together as a team to come up with a solution to a problem.

In both cases, students are able to learn from each other and develop their teamwork skills.

However, cooperative learning is more focused on completing a task, whereas collaborative learning allows students to share their ideas and come up with the best solution.

What is Cooperative Learning?

Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy in which students work together in small groups to complete a task or assignment.

In cooperative learning, each student is responsible for contributing to the group’s success. Students learn important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Cooperative learning also helps students build relationships with their classmates and learn from each other.

This teaching strategy is often used in elementary and middle schools, but can also be used in high schools and colleges.

What is Collaborative Learning?

Collaborative learning is a teaching method that involves students working together in small groups to solve problems and learn from each other.

This type of learning can be especially effective in subjects where students need to use critical thinking skills, such as math and science.

In collaborative learning, students are also more likely to be engaged in the learning process and to have a better understanding of the material.

This method can also help students develop teamwork skills and better communication skills.

Cooperative vs Collaborative Learning

One of the major differences between cooperative and collaborative learning is that cooperative learning focuses on the individual, while collaborative learning focuses on the group.

In cooperative learning, students are assigned specific tasks and work together to complete them.

In collaborative learning, students work together to come up with a solution to a problem or to achieve a common goal.

Main Differences

Key differences between cooperative learning and collaborative learning are –

Role of Teacher

In cooperative learning, the teacher is responsible for setting up the groups and assigning tasks.

In collaborative learning, the teacher acts more as a facilitator, allowing students to work together to solve problems.

It is also the teacher’s responsibility to make sure that all students are participating and contributing to the group.

Group Size

In cooperative learning, groups are typically smaller than in collaborative learning.

This is because it is often more difficult for students to work together in larger groups.

In collaborative learning, larger groups can be effective if students are working on a task that does not require critical thinking skills.

Group Dynamics

In cooperative learning, students are typically assigned to groups and have little choice in who they work with.

In collaborative learning, students have more control over who they work with and can choose to work with friends or classmates.

This can help students feel more comfortable and be more productive.

Impact

This is another big difference between cooperative and collaborative learning.

Cooperative learning has been shown to have a bigger impact on student achievement than collaborative learning.

This is likely because cooperative learning focuses more on individual students’ contributions, while collaborative learning allows students to work together on tasks that do not require critical thinking skills.

However, collaborative learning can be more effective in subjects where students need to use critical thinking skills.

Assessment

In cooperative learning, the teacher typically assesses students’ individual contributions to the group.

On the other hand, in collaborative learning, the teacher assesses students’ ability to work together and solve problems.

It’s important to note that both cooperative and collaborative learning can be assessed in a variety of ways.

Similarities

Despite these differences, cooperative and collaborative learning share some similarities.

Both teaching methods promote student engagement and allow students to learn from each other.

They also both have the potential to improve students’ teamwork skills and communication skills.

FAQs

What is an example of cooperative learning?

The best example of cooperative learning is when students work together in small groups to complete a task.

Each student has a specific role to play, and everyone helps each other in order to achieve the goal.

Cooperative learning allows students to learn from one another, as well as develop teamwork skills.

What is an example of collaborative learning?

One example of collaborative learning is the “jigsaw” teaching strategy.

In this method, students are divided into small groups, and each group is given a section of reading or an article to read.

After they have read their section, the students in each group come together to discuss what they learned.

Then, each student is assigned a different section of the reading to share with the rest of the group.

This type of learning can help students better understand complex material, as they will have the opportunity to discuss it with their classmates.