Cooperative And Competitive Learning Structures

General Overview of the Cooperative and Competitive Learning Structures In this research paper I will review the learning structures of cooperative and competitive learning. These are two different methods that are used to motivate students to enhance their learning experience in the classroom. Researchers, psychologist, and educators are among the many that have been trying to figure out which strategy is most appropriate for classroom instruction. Both are widely used in today’s classrooms and each of them have positive and negative consequences for students and their learning. By deciphering through previous and current research, I will determine which method is the best. There is an abundance of research on the cooperative and competitive

After reviewing a great deal of current research, I will now discuss what learned about the cooperative and competitive learning structures in more detail. I will differentiate between the two, providing all advantages and disadvantages of each. This will help me determine which method enhances learning most effectively.

Utilizing the Cooperative Learning Structure Research for the cooperative learning structure has demonstrated that it can really enhance a student’s achievement, attitude towards learning, and the atmosphere where learning takes place. According to Akinbobola, “Cooperative learning is a mode of learning in which students work in small groups to achieve a purpose. Here there is an emphasis on the importance of group work, students in a group help each other in learning the content, but achievement is judged individually” (2009, p.2). The cooperative learning structure encourages students to work together toward a common goal, but that common goal can only be attained if each individual reaches their

In this learning structure students need to be extremely familiar with the subject matter so that they are able to outwit their opponent’s knowledge level. According to Anderson, “These activities are characterized by using competition as a motivator to encourage student engagement in the learning process as they master content that is transferred to them” (Anderson, 2006, p.6). One subject area that research has found that competitive learning can be helpful with math because it promotes performance on things they have already learned (Durik & Eccles, 2006, p.