Cooperative learning can produce greater student achievement than traditional learning methodologies. Students who work individually often compete against others to gain praise or other forms of rewards and reinforcements. The success of these individuals can mean failures for others. There are more winners in a cooperative team because all members reap from the success of an achievement. One of the essential elements of cooperative learning is the development of social skills.
Students learn to take risks and are praised for their contribution.
They are able to see points of view other than their own. Such benefits contribute to the overall satisfaction of learning. Students work with others who may have different learning skills, cultural background, attitudes, and personalities. These differences force them to deal with conflicts and enrich learning. Earlier this century ecologists who focussed on the study of animal and plant communities observed networks of relationships - the web of life.