This term, I have begun to realize the importance and benefits of cooperative learning. In all of my previous courses, I have not have the chance to participate in various group projects. I feel that the experience this year has benefited me because of the diverse perspectives and ideas I have encountered. Working in these groups has provided me the opportunity to be aware of other's needs and communicate my own needs.

In class today we learned about the five components of cooperative learning. The first component we touched on was positive interdependence. This concept has been a key factor in the groups I have been working in so far; my individual success is dependent on the group's success. Positive face-to-face interactions in cooperative learning was presented to me the first day of the middle years program. The first teacher I had introduced herself to the whole class and she established a positive learning environment for the class. The third component, interpersonal and small group interactions, has been ongoing since day one. Every day we discuss with each other our personal experience and thoughts about topics in class. Individual accountability is a component that is strongly emphasized. An individual is responsible for the construction of their own learning and they can only do this by taking responsibility and accountability for their learning.

Critical reflection is the fifth component of cooperative learning. I have never known the importance that reflection has on a students learning. In many of my presentations and assignments, I must reflect on the experience and my learning. This has helped me analyze and create solutions to areas that I can improve on. It has also provided me the chance to reflect on some of my successes and thus has given me more confidence and motivation.

The positive experience that I have had so far in cooperative learning groups has given me the desire to effectively use cooperative learning groups in my future classroom.