Cooperative Learning: Differentiated Instruction

Cooperative learning, which often includes students teaching other students or groups of students working in teams, can enable stronger students to act as a support structure for their less apt colleagues. Students need to feel willing and able to ask for help, and creating a cooperative learning environment normalizes seeking help. Students do not feel 'stupid' when they need assistance when they realize making mistakes is part of the learning process. Cooperative learning uses the natural desire of students to feel connected to their peers and channels that impulse to create a learning environment.

From a student perspective, cooperative learning is valuable because it enables weaker students to keep pace with stronger colleagues, so they do not fall behind. This is particularly critical in a subject area like math, in which learning must build upon previous learning. Without a foundation, the learning structure of the class...
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