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b. Characteristics of Cooperative Learning
There are five characteristics of successful group-based learning in cooperative learning based on Olsen and Kagan in Richards and Rodgers 2001:
196-197. The characteristics are as follows: 1
Positive Interdependence Cooperative learning happens only when students perceive that the success
of one depends on the success of others. All group members feel responsible for everything happens in the group. It can be created by
structuring cooperative learning task and building a spirit of mutual support within the group.
2 Face-to-Face Interaction
Team members in cooperative learning need to think that ongoing interactions, particularly face-to-face interactions, are required for success.
In face-to-face interaction, the students learn actively in ongoing conversation, dialogue, exchange, and support. The students need to do
real work together in which they promote each other’s success by sharing resources, helping, supporting, encouraging, and applauding each other’s
efforts to achieve. 3
Group Formation Group formation is an important factor in creating positive
interdependence. There are some factors involved in setting up group and assigning students to group. The tasks, the age of the learners, and the time
limits for lesson are some factors which should be considered in deciding
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the size of the group. Group members should think about how well they have cooperated as a team and how to enhance their cooperation in the
future. Some of the keys to successful processing are allowing sufficient time for it to take place, emphasizing positive feedback, maintaining
students’ involvement in the teaching and learning process, etc. 4
Individual Accountability Individual accountability involves both group and individual performance.
It is the belief by each individual that shehe will be accountable for herhis performance and learning. Individual accountability exists when
the performance of each individual student is assessed, and the results are given back to the group and the individual in order to know who needs
more assistance, support, and encouragement in learning. 5
Social Skills Social skills determine the way students interact with each other as
teammates. Social skills are specific behaviours which can help students to achieve objectives.
Those characteristics in cooperative learning should be considered by the teacher. In this case, the teacher plays important role in designing learning
activities in the classroom.
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c. Benefits of Cooperative Learning
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