Model Reflection

Partners in Learning: Cooperative Learning Model

Mohd Izyan Zuhaili B Zainudin
870327-01-5183
MP 101517
Model Reflections:
Partners in Learning: Cooperative Learning Model

‘Together we stand, divide we fall’ is a phrase that means if we unite and work together, we will
achieve our aims and make the impossible possible. While on the other hand, if we work alone or did
not cooperate to each other, we will most probably fail in everything we does including in education.
Individualistic goals encourage students to disregard their classmates especially to those who are
weaker or less wise than them. Therefore, it is one of teacher’s responsibilities to instil cooperative
enthusiasm amongst students. In order to overcome this problem, teachers may adopt cooperative
learning model to encourage students to work closely in groups. According to Johnson, Johnson and
Holubec, (1994): "Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups through which
students work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning"

There are five key elements in cooperative learning model which involves;
•
• Positive interdependence
• Individual accountability
• Face to face interaction
1. Increase interaction among students
2. Enables students to profess beyond level
of understanding
3. Provides a variety of flexible way of
organising instruction
4. Encourages active participations in
genuine conversations
5. Empower students and provide them
with autonomy
STRENGTH
• Social skills – interpersonal
• Group processing
1. Class environments might be difficult to
control
2. Some students will not take part and
require extra attention
3. It requires leadership which might be
difficult to determine among students
4. It takes longer time than usual lectures
5. Extra materials needed
6. Loss of content might occur to students
especially to those who less participate
WEAKNESS

With regards of adopting the model, there are several questions that crossed my mind:
1. How can we improvise it for better outcome and therefore counter back its vulnerabilities.
2. Will it be more challenging to adopt such model in TVE in terms of the implementation and
outcome? How about time, materials, manpower and cost?

Personally, I think this model is more efficient as I have experienced myself. But this model is
limited to certain subjects or topics though improvising of methods may require. This would be
depends on teachers’ initiative to adopt the model.
Reference:
Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T., & Holubec, E. (1994). The new circles of learning: Cooperation in
the classroom. Edina, MN: Interaction.

Ghaith. G (2003). Effects of the Learning Together Model of Cooperative Learning on English as a
Foreign Language Reading Achievement, Academic Self-Esteem, and Feelings of School Alienation,
American University of Beirut. Bilingual Research Journal, 27:3 Fall 2003

Zakaria, E. & Iksan, Z. Promoting Cooperative Learning in Science and Mathematics Education: A
Malaysian Perspective Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 2007,
3(1), 35-39

Joyce, B. & Weil, M (1996). Model of Teaching. United States of America. Allyn and Bacon.