In most classrooms, learning is either accomplished on an individual basis, with the whole class, or in cooperative groups. Usually in individual and whole group learning, competition is a major factor in classroom procedures. However, with cooperative learning, the focus is on getting along and working together so that a task can be successfully completed by the group. Each child learns to contribute to a group effort, so that cooperation rather than competition is emphasized. Most first jobs are lost because of an inability to get along with others.
Most jobs today involve some cooperative interaction with others.
Research shows that in the process of teaching others, we continually learn more about the topics we teach. Parents of high achievers frequently hope that their children become leaders. Children can gain experience in leadership through tutoring and leading small groups in assigned or chosen tasks. Children naturally want to interact with their peers. Working together in small groups provides a creative outlet for this energy.