Now that my EDCI 335 group members and I have some understanding of the theoretical grounds for teaching, we are going to think about how that is applied in designing learning environments by each choosing a instructional approach to research. This blog post activity is similar to a cooperative learning approach called “jigsaw groups,” where group members are divided, and each member becomes an ‘expert’ on a particular component of a concept (EDCI 335, 2025). My blog post will further dive into ‘cooperative learning’ and how it relates to my groups topic of differentiated learning.
Cooperative learning is a teaching method where students collaborate in small groups to achieve a shared learning objective under the teacher’s guidance (Rigacci, 2020). This approach is team-based and helps create a better community (Rigacci, 2020). As a student-centered instructional strategy, cooperative learning encourages small groups of students to work together toward common goals or to complete tasks (Metzler & Colquitt, 2013), just like my EDCI group is doing now. By each focusing on a theory and then collaborating with each other by reading and commenting on each others post, we can share our expertise and deepen our understanding of each theory.
Key elements of cooperative learning include positive interdependence, face-to-face interaction, and the development of interpersonal skills (Comoglio, 1996). Positive interdependence means that each student’s success depends on the group’s success, face-to-face interaction helps students work together and share ideas, and both lead to building important skills like communication and teamwork.
A benefit of cooperative learning is its ability to improve relationships among students with diverse learning needs and cultural backgrounds. This method encourages collaboration between students with varying strengths, allowing them to learn from each other’s perspectives. As a result, students develop greater empathy, respect, and appreciation for different viewpoints, leading to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
This approach aligns perfectly with my group’s topic of Understanding Differentiated Learning because it emphasizes personalized learning experiences within a collaborative framework. Differentiated learning acknowledges that students have diverse abilities and cooperative learning supports this by allowing students to work in mixed-ability groups where they can leverage their strengths and receive support in areas where they need improvement.
Overall, cooperative learning provides an opportunity for teachers to implement differentiated instruction strategies effectively. By assigning group tasks that accommodate various learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities), students can collaborate with the material in ways that best suit their individual needs and then collaborate with the group to share their insights. This ensures that each student can engage with the content in a manner that aligns with their strengths. This method enables peer-assisted learning, where students can explain concepts to one another, reinforcing their own understanding while supporting their classmates.
References
Comoglio, M. (1996). Che cos’è il Cooperative Learning. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Che-cos’%C3%A8-il-Cooperative-Learning-Comoglio/103c5ff1b674930f7d86da8d010527ea7454de5f
EDCI 335. (2025). PROMPT Learning Design II . https://edtechuvic.ca/edci335/prompt-learning-design-ii/
Metzler, M., & Colquitt, G. (2021). Cooperative learning. In Routledge eBooks (pp. 225–262). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003081098-12
Rigacci, A. (2024c, July 30). What is Cooperative Learning? Five Strategies for Your Classroom. Europass Teacher Academy. https://www.teacheracademy.eu/blog/cooperative-learning-strategies/
Love how you tied cooperative learning to your group’s work Taralyn. Using the jigsaw method to become experts totally mirrors real classroom collaboration. You nailed why it’s so powerful for differentiated learning: letting students lean on each other’s strengths while building empathy and inclusion. The mix of theory (like positive interdependence) with practical examples (visual/auditory tasks) makes it feel actionable, not just abstract and seems like it can be incorporated into a classes curriculum.
Hi Taralyn,
I really like how you structured your blog post on cooperative learning! You clearly highlighted the key benefits and agree with all the points you’ve made, specifically how cooperative learning is a “team-based and helps create a better community, leading to a warmer atmosphere in the classroom. A Factor that stood out to me is how you added the fact that cooperative learning contributes to a positive interdependence and enhances interpersonal skills. Additionally, I like how you showed your understanding of this topic by connecting cooperative learning to differentiated learning as both have its contribution to learning success, such as that cooperative learning supports differentiated learning by having the students to work in mixed-ability groups and can enhance their strengths and receive peer support in areas where they need improvement. This really highlights the need of student support with their needs in regard to diverse learning.
Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed!!
Hi,
This is such a well-articulated and insightful overview of cooperative learning! I really appreciate how clearly you connected it to differentiated instruction; your explanation of how group work can support diverse learners through peer collaboration and multiple learning styles is especially compelling. I especially appreciate your emphasis on positive interdependence and face-to-face interaction really highlights the social-emotional benefits of this approach too, as it is an aspect I overlooked. You’ve made a strong case for how cooperative learning not only enhances academic understanding but also builds empathy and community in the classroom. Great Job tying theory to practice so effectively!
Thanks!!