Need to replace competition with cooperation in schools

09 September, 2012

Lamenting that the present methods of classroom instruction in vogue in India are promoting throat-cut competition, rote learning and social isolation, many educators are advocating cooperative learning in educational institutions.

WHEN COMPETITION is taken as a value and seen as an external motivation factor for enhancing achievement score, it becomes a matter of survival in the academic jungle leading to cheating, rivalry and winning the race by hook or crook.

On the other hand, cooperative learning methods induce learning through student cooperation and collectivity rather than competition. In this instructional strategy, fast learners are effectively mobilized to work as group tutors to share their learning with others, while working in small groups.

Both teachers and students are required to master certain skills before implementing cooperative learning methods. For example, the pro-social skills of listening, sharing resources, mutual respect, taking turns, asking questions, offering suggestions, speaking positively about one another and helping others are a pre-requisites of effective cooperative learning.

Group learning and peer-tutoring are important elements to foster cooperation in the classroom. The peer tutor or group leader is meant to help the group members learn, practice, or review academic skills. The other advantage of group learning is that the group leaders model appropriate academic and social behavior for other members of the group. Moreover, the buddy relationship between the group members offers opportunities to build social relationships within the classroom and beyond.