koostööõppes

Koostööõpe, often translated as cooperative learning, is an instructional strategy in which students work together in small groups to maximize their own and each other's learning. It is a form of active learning that emphasizes shared responsibility and mutual support among learners. In a typical cooperative learning setting, students are assigned to heterogeneous groups, meaning they comprise individuals with diverse abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles.

The core principles of effective cooperative learning include positive interdependence, where students understand that they need each other to succeed; individual accountability, ensuring each member is responsible for their own learning and contributing to the group; face-to-face promotive interaction, encouraging direct communication and assistance; interpersonal and small-group skills, requiring students to develop teamwork and social skills; and group processing, where groups reflect on their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Koostööõpe can be applied across various subjects and age levels, from elementary school to higher education. Its benefits are widely documented and include improved academic achievement, enhanced critical thinking skills, increased motivation, better social development, and a more positive attitude towards learning. Teachers employing cooperative learning often act as facilitators, guiding groups and providing support rather than delivering direct instruction to the entire class. This approach shifts the focus from individual competition to collective success, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.