How Does Collaborative Learning Differ From Cooperative Learning?
When working with learners in online or face-to-face educational settings, the terms collaborative learning and cooperative learning are often used interchangeably. And while both pedagogical approaches value and promote teamwork and communication, the truth is that they are not the same. In this article, we will discuss the definitions of these two terms, explore the differences between collaborative vs cooperative learning, and review the factors that will prompt you to choose each alternative.
What Is Collaborative Learning?
When we talk about collaborative learning, we refer to a flexible learning environment where learners are encouraged to drive their progress through meaningful teamwork. This educational approach involves presenting learners with problem-solving activities and discussions that require them to engage in dialogue and use their critical thinking skills. In collaborative learning, participants are accountable to each other and must ensure their collaboration is effective to achieve the desired outcome.
Common activities used in this educational method include Socratic seminars, project-based learning, and case study analyses. These activities challenge learners' analytic and evaluative skills, nurture teamwork and open communication, and foster a sense of community and camaraderie. It's important to note that collaborative learning promotes learner autonomy, allowing learners to approach tasks in their own way, divide responsibilities as they see fit, exercise their creativity, and treat the instructor more as a facilitator than a director.
What Is Cooperative Learning?
On the other hand, cooperative learning is a more structured learning approach in which learners work in small groups to achieve a common goal. Although problems are once again solved through shared responsibility and interdependence, in this case, roles and responsibilities are assigned by the instructor, who also provides closer direction and guidance. This approach taps into each learner's unique strengths and skills, combining them into a common knowledge pool that leads to more efficient problem solving.
One of the most common activities used in cooperative learning is the jigsaw method, where one learner becomes the "expert" of the group and teaches the topic to the rest of the team. Other activities include team quizzes and games, role-based group tasks, and individual reflection sessions, which are later shared with the entire group or class. Similar to collaborative learning, cooperative learning enhances learning progress and interpersonal skills while improving the learner's confidence and motivation. As a result, they are encouraged to participate actively in the learning process.
Collaborative Vs Cooperative Learning: The Main Differences
Summarizing the differences of collaborative vs cooperative learning as seen through the definitions that we discussed above, we come to the following conclusions:
- Structure and roles – Collaborative learning is loosely structured, giving learners a lot of freedom in the way they want to handle tasks and assign responsibilities. In cooperative learning, the instructor ensures more structure by organizing the group and the role of each member while closely monitoring the activity.
- Nature of tasks – Collaborative learning emphasizes the active participation and interaction of learners, meaning that they engage in discussions, shared decision making, brainstorming sessions, etc. Conversely, in cooperative learning, participants are involved in structured group activities where the end goal is achieved through divided tasks and accountability, such as role-based projects.
- Goals and accountability – Collaborative projects have shared goals and a mutual responsibility for the final outcome. Although there is a common goal in cooperative learning as well, the clear division of tasks makes it so that each learner is held accountable for the responsibilities of their own role and how well they executed them.
- Focus – Collaborative learning is a more learner-centered approach, as learners take a more active role in their learning journey. Cooperative learning focuses on the group collectively, as the end result is dependent on each individual's distinct skills and knowledge.
- Educational theory – Since it drives knowledge through dialogue and exploration, collaborative learning aligns with the principles of the constructivist learning theory. Cooperative learning, on the other hand, is rooted in the behaviorist theory, relying heavily on structured repetition and skill practice.
How To Make The Right Choice For Your Audience
Both educational approaches come with their own set of benefits, but to achieve the desired outcomes, you need to know how to make the best choice for the needs of your audience. This decision will be affected by a number of factors, such as the following:
- Learners' age and development stage – Specifically, younger learners will benefit more from the structure and guidance provided by cooperative learning, while older ones can be given more freedom with collaborative learning activities.
- Skills available among learners – A diverse classroom, where participants bring different perspectives, skills, and knowledge, will thrive in a cooperative setting that will make sure everyone is given a chance to participate. On the other hand, if all learners have a similar skill level, you can opt for collaborative activities.
- Learning objectives – Finally, you need to know what skills you're trying to help learners develop. If you want to focus more on elevated thinking skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, then you need to leverage collaborative learning. If your focus is more on social skills such as active communication, listening, empathy, and cooperation, then the structured activities of cooperative learning are better suited.
Conclusion
Collaborative learning and cooperative learning are educational approaches that seek to develop learner skills by putting the learner at the forefront. While one focuses more on collective knowledge construction and equal interaction, and the other on specific roles and interdependence, they both manage to enhance communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, helping learners take their skills to the next level. By exploring the differences of collaborative vs cooperative learning, instructors can understand which choice is the best for their audience and help them achieve the best learning outcomes possible.
