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Cooperative Learning

By , About.com Guide

Definition: Cooperative learning is a method of instruction that has students working together in groups, usually with the goal of completing a specific task. This method can help students develop leadership skills and the ability to work with others as a team. However, gifted students are often placed in groups with non-gifted children, sometimes with the goal of having the gifted student help the others, either directly or by example. In these instances, the gifted student is not likely to learn anything new, while the non-gifted students are not likely to develop any leadership skills.

Cooperative learning can be a problem for introverts whose learning style is more independent and who prefer to work alone.
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