Types And Elements Of Cooperative Learning
Naila has recently joined a content production firm. On her orientation day, she meets her coworkers who’ve also joined at…
April 22, 2021 | 4 mins read

Naila has recently joined a content production firm. On her orientation day, she meets her coworkers who’ve also joined at the same time. She’s feeling nervous but the ice-breaker activities help her get through the day. Eventually, she’s able to build rapport with her teammates.
Activities where you get to interact, discuss and debate with others, especially your teammates, are all part of the cooperative learning method. Cooperative learning is a strategy that encourages individuals to learn and share information with their group. Together, they have to complete projects and achieve collective goals. An organization may use different types of cooperative learning depending on their needs.
Read on to discover what type of cooperative learning works for you along with the elements of cooperative learning.
You need cooperative learning to establish trust, manage teamwork and navigate different team dynamics. Think about a brainstorming session. These are common meetings where teams throw around ideas and come up with innovative strategies. One thought can lead to a chain reaction with everyone adding their two cents. This level of cooperation, communication and teamwork is what you can achieve with various types of cooperative learning.
Find out what type of cooperative learning will work best for you.
A formal learning strategy has predetermined goals, timelines and assigned tasks. The organization decides which team will be responsible for the project. For instance, your manager may assign a project to you and your coworker. They’ll inform you of what needs to be done and till when. There’s a definitive timeline to formal cooperative learning. This type of cooperative learning helps increase productivity, leading to improved outcomes.
An informal learning strategy refers to activities that require little attention. It may include a final check on a project or reviewing documents. They don’t have clearly defined tasks and are resolved in a short time.
Sometimes, a team project may last longer than a few weeks. If you’re dealing with a regular client, you may have to work with the same teammates for several months. This type of cooperative learning is one of the most effective methods to encourage cooperation in teams. Over time, you learn to deal with different work styles, give and receive feedback and enrich your professional life with lasting relationships.
Whether you’re working on a new project or your manager has asked you to upskill, the type of cooperative learning varies from team to team. Your team may have to improve their communication skills, whereas another may have to work on more technical aspects.
Cooperative learning leads to optimal results, enhanced leadership skills, improved decision-making, effective problem-solving abilities and refined interpersonal skills. Elements of cooperative learning will help you understand why it’s so important to invest in it.
Teamwork means tasks are interdependent but in a healthy and positive way. You can seek others’ help, lend a hand and support each other’s workload. This helps get things done on time without compromising on quality.
It helps your team become autonomous within an organization. The senior management will recognize that you’re capable of taking charge. This will mean better job prospects and professional growth.
When you’re working closely with your team members, you learn to communicate with them. If one of your teammates looks troubled, you can help out by taking on some of their work. You can build interpersonal skills to understand and decode others in your team.
There’s an opportunity for everyone to participate equally during meetings and discussions. If your team is working on a project and cooperating, no idea will be overlooked or stepped on. Each member has a chance to speak up and share their thoughts.
You can interact with your coworkers on a formal and informal level. You’ll find it easier to communicate your expectations and understand theirs. This way, you can meet each other halfway when needed.
Elements of cooperative learning explain how it’s essential for the modern workplace to incorporate new and improve learning methods. In a fast-paced world, it’s important to keep up with changes taking place in your industry and beyond. With cooperative learning, you’ll be able to build your social and technical skills, helping you become a well-rounded professional.
Harappa’s Managing Teamwork course will teach you how to navigate team dynamics. With frameworks such as the social styles model and the Bruce Tuckman model, you’ll be able to form strong teams. Cooperative learning can lead to improved results over time. Effective team development is what organizations need to ensure success.
Explore topics such as What Is Cooperative Learning, Functions Of Management, What Is Teamwork, Important Management Skills from Harappa Diaries to become a well-rounded professional.