An Informal Approach To Cooperative Learning Groups

In order to enhance student learning, engineering faculty have ut ilized formal cooperative learning strategies, which are especially applicable to problem courses, in their classrooms. This requires an extensive knowledge of the five essential components of cooperative learning: positive interdependence, individual accountability, f ace-to-face promotive interaction, appropriate use of collaborative skills, and group processing. Another option for engineering educators is to informally introduce these cooperative learning techniques in a less structured way. One such example is the implementation of c ooperative study groups at the University of Wyoming. The specific techniques utilized and the associ ated results that have led to improved student academic success are presented in this paper.