cooperative-learning
UK[kəʊˈɒpərətɪv ˈlɜːnɪŋ]US[koʊˈɑːpərətɪv ˈlɜːrnɪŋ]
n
An educational approach in which students work together in small groups to achieve shared learning goals, with an emphasis on positive interdependence and individual accountability.
Morpheme Breakdown
cooperative
learning
cooperative
adjective
learning
noun
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, synthesizing concepts from distinct linguistic lineages to describe a specific pedagogical method. The first element, 'cooperative', traces back to Latin roots where 'co-' (a form of 'com-') signifies 'together' and 'operari' means 'to work', literally painting a picture of 'working together'. The second element, 'learning', originates from the Old English 'leornian', a verb with Germanic roots related to the process of acquiring knowledge or skill. The fusion of these elements in the 20th century created a precise label for an instructional strategy where the act of gaining knowledge ('learning') is fundamentally structured around and achieved through joint effort and shared responsibility ('cooperative').
Analysis
Structure: cooperative (adjective) + learning (noun)
- cooperative: From Latin 'co-' (together) + 'operari' (to work), via Late Latin 'cooperativus'. In this compound, it functions as an adjective modifying the type of learning.
- learning: From Old English 'leornian' (to get knowledge, to study). In this compound, it functions as a noun denoting the core activity.
Examples
The teacher implemented cooperative-learning strategies to encourage peer-to-peer tutoring.
Research shows that cooperative-learning can improve social skills and academic achievement.
Their project was a successful example of cooperative-learning, as each member contributed unique expertise.