The fourth essential element requires teaching students interpersonal and group-skills.  I initially overlooked teaching this element; however, a lack of social skills was addressed as an element that could be detrimental to cooperative learning.  Cooperative learning is not an easy process.  It requires group members to “provide effective leadership, make decisions, build trust, communicate, manage conflict, and be motivated to do so,” (11) and this is something some individuals may need guidance on.  The last essential component noted is group processing. 

too.

One instructional strategy I will consider in the future is role assignment.  As Johnson et al point out, “roles prescribe what group members can expect from each other and ,therefore, what each member is obligated to do” (34).  Roles divide up functions and can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the group.

The students must be fully aware of the task at hand.  Students must have a clear understanding of the assignment, its objectives and its outcomes for effective collaborative learning to take place.  Students need procedures explained to them, examples provided and any questions answered.  It is important for the instructor to “relate the concepts and information to students’ experience and learning” (41).