COOPERATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING: PRINCIPLES, IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES, AND PEDAGOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Translate Article

Cooperative learning has been recognized as an effective pedagogical approach that may enhance academic achievement, promote students’ engagement, and develop transferable interpersonal skills. This type of organizing a learning process differs from the traditional group work. Unlike the latter, cooperative learning is considered a structured, student-centered strategy which allows students assume collective responsibility for their own progress and that of their team members. The purpose of the article is to outline and synthesize the key theoretical foundations of cooperative learning approach, provide essential characteristics of cooperative teams, and what is more, suggest the ways for its implementation and classroom management considerations. Apart from that, the article highlights evidence-based methods to build an effective team, apply cooperative skills, design a class in accordance with cooperative learning principles, and thus sustain productive collaborative environment. The study also emphasizes upon the pedagogical value and adaptability of cooperative learning in a language class.