The 5 Basic Principles of Cooperative and Collaborative Theory
1. Interpersonal and collaborative skills
Students learn how to work together and support each other. Instructors should encourage brainstorming, reflection, and participation.
2. Face-to-face interaction
With face-to-face interaction learning becomes dynamic. Students discuss their ideas and make oral summarizations, while comprehending the value of individual differences and critical thinking.
3. Beneficial interdependence
Students learn the value of collaboration for the successful completion of a task, and the usefulness of team roles, and effective representation.
4. Individual responsibility
Collaboration aside, students should sense their responsibility towards the group and comprehend the value of their contribution for the successful completion of a task. Slacking, hiding behind someone else’ work and simply following instructions won’t work.
5. Group interaction processing
Groups should learn how to interact and then evaluate their effectiveness and skills. Instructors should give students the time to reflect on the group’s collaboration level, i.e. if everyone participated, if they supported and listened to each other, if everything went smoothly, etc.