Describe the benefits and limitations of cooperative/collaborative learning?

Question

Describe the benefits and limitations of cooperative/collaborative learning?

Answer 1

Benefits -

-teach students to work together to achieve a goal

-allow students to integrate each other's view points

-motivate students through cooperation and competition

-allow weaker students to benefit from input of stronger students

-allow stronger students to benefit by discussing the material with others

Limitations -

-weaker students may leave all the work to stronger students

-stronger or dominant students may "take over" in attempt to either save their GPA or not have to deal with slower pace of group work

-group may become more focused on social activities than academic teamwork

-students who prefer to work on their own (for whatever reason) may withdraw from group (mentally or socially) without contributing much - they may need a teacher's encouragement or assistance in order to fully participate

Answer 2

working with others will increase you're social skills, and also make you see a less biased view of the subject that you are learning.