Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning is a core pillar of the Finnish education system, replacing rigid competition with shared responsibility, peer interaction, and teamwork. All teachers at the Ananthamurthy International School are trained in Cooperative Learning and we have been incorporating cooperative learning strategies/structures in lesson plans successfully over the last nine years.

Cooperative learning relies on five core pillars:

• Positive interdependence: Students realize that their individual success depends on the entire group succeeding.
• Individual accountability: Each person is responsible for learning the material and contributing their fair share.
• Face-to-face promotive interaction: Students actively help, support, and explain concepts to one another.
• Interpersonal and small-group skills: Students are explicitly taught communication, trust-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Group processing: Teams regularly evaluate how well they are working together and how to improve their collaboration.

Research compiled by the Cooperative Learning Institute indicates that cooperative learning results in:

• Higher overall academic achievement and productivity.
• Greater use of high-level reasoning and critical thinking.
• Richer interpersonal relationships and acceptance of diversity.
• Enhanced psychological health, self-esteem, and social competence.