Cooperative Learning: A Pathway to develop 21st Century Skills in the Learners

Abstract

The need for a well-prepared workforce that is able to succeed in the 21st century has been acknowledged for more than a decade (Stuart, 1999). Increasing transformation in technology and modes of communication continue to develop, is becoming a challenge for the coming generation to become better prepared for life in a rapidly changing world. Educators need to move away from the traditional approach of teaching and bring into the classroom new and innovating approaches to teach the content and lifelong skills. The most challenging goals for 21st century learners in higher education is to enhance critical thinking, promoting “deep” (as opposed to superficial) learning, encouraging both self-esteem and the acceptance of others, and improving interpersonal effectiveness (with an emphasis on team skills). Research says that students work together and acquire 21st century skills that will help them as they find the way throughout the life from classrooms to careers. Five key elements differentiate cooperative learning from simply putting students into groups to learn viz. positive interdependence, face to face interaction, individual accountability, interpersonal and small group social skills, group processing. Thus present paper focuses on how Cooperative Learning Approach can be a pathway to develop 21st century skills in learners.