“Cooperative learning [is where] students work in small groups to achieve a common goal” (Ormond, 2008, p. 437). Cooperative learning, which includes simple group projects, is used in all levels of education, from elementary through graduate school. Another definition of cooperative learning is “the instructional use of small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning” (Jiao, DaRos-Voseles, Collins, & Onwuegbuzie, 2011, p. 120).
Although most cooperative learning is lead by an instructor, some of these experiences are created by the students forming study groups. “Taking place through an individual’s interaction with his or her environment and peers, cooperative learning is largely based on the idea that students learn through social context” (Tsay, & Brady, 2010, p. 78). Most students will enjoy a cooperative learning assignment.
