The terms Collaborative Learning and Cooperative Learning have become murky in popular usage, and often, distinctions are not made between the two. Collaborative Learningis the umbrella term encompassing many forms of collaborative learning from small group projects to the more specific form of group work called Cooperative Learning. Cooperative Learning is a type of Collaborative Learning developed by Johnson and Johnson is the 1960's and is still widely used today. The following briefly outlines some major differences between Collaborative and Cooperative Learning.
Cooperative Learning is a specific type of small group learning which has the following five essential elements:1. Positive Interdependence
2. face-to-face Interaction
3. Individual Accountability (Personal Responsibility)
4. Structured Activitiy
5. Teamwork Skills and Group Processing
Group members often receive designated roles, groups are given structured tasks to perform, and the completion of the group task requires that group members work interdependently. Both the group as a whole and individual members are held accountable for completing the activities and demonstrating a satisfactory level of learning.
For example, group members might each be asked to read a different set of readings in order to complete the group task of writing an essay, filling in a chart, or answering multiple choice questions based on the material contained in all the sets of readings. In order for the group to receive a satisfactory grade, each member must have read and understood his/her set of readings (of course, members may assist those having difficulty). Groups are asked to complete written evaluations on how well the group worked as a team and on the contribution level of each group member. Process skills are an important aspect of Cooperative Learning. Groups might be given a group grade as well as individual grades based on test performance.
Depending on how the instruction is designed, the various forms of Collaborative learning can provide students with the opportunity to think for themselves, compare their thinking with others, conduct small research projects, investigate subject matter with fellow students, and to practice using higher level cognitive thinking skills. It can provide activities that encourage students to confront the logic of their own thinking, their own beliefs, and the accuracy of their understanding about of previous learning.