BENEFITS OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING
INTRODUCTION 
Cooperative learning activities are those that require students to work in small groups to complete a joint project. Students work together as a team to not only learn the material but also help each other succeed. Much research has been conducted over the years to show the benefits of cooperative learning.
BENEFITS OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING
Sharing a Common Goal Leadership Skills Communication Skills Conflict Management Skills Decision Making Skills
SHARING A COMMON GOAL 
First and foremost, students who work together as a team share a common goal. The success of the project depends on combining their efforts. The ability to work as a team towards a common goal is one of the main qualities that business leaders are looking for today in new hires.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS 
In order for a group to truly succeed, individuals within the group need to show leadership abilities. Skills such as dividing out the tasks involved, providing support, and ensuring that individuals are meeting their goals are all leadership skills that can be taught and practiced through cooperative learning.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS 
Effective teamwork is all about good communication and a commitment to the product or activity. All members in the group need to practice communicating in a positive manner. These skills should be directly modeled by the teacher and reinforced throughout the activity.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT SKILLS 
Conflicts arise in all group settings. Sometimes these conflicts are minor and easily handled. Other times, though, they can rip a team apart if left unchecked. In most cases, you should allow your students to try and work out their issues before you step in and get involved. Keep an eye on the situation but see if they can come to a resolution on their own.
DECISION MAKING SKILLS 
Many decisions will need attention while working in a cooperative environment. A good way to get students to start thinking as a team and make joint decisions is to have them come up with a team name. From there, the next decisions that need to be made are which students will perform what tasks. Additionally, even though students are working in a group, they will also have their own responsibilities
WHO I AM…
Yong Huei Wang is the Sub – Dean of teacher education who provides the brief knowledge about the concept related to environmental education.