Cooperative /collaborative learning is a teaching strategy involving children’s participation in small group learning activities. Collaborative learning can be a motivator in school for many students in many ways. One reasons is that student-student support enhances self esteem, reduces anxiety, and even the lower grade-level students benefit from these discussions because they are often inspired by the learning ability displayed by their peers. Students are also encouraged to learn material in greater depth and think more critically than they might otherwise have done.
Cooperative learning also fosters social interaction among students, improves relationships among peers, and promotes inclusion among diverse/ minority students.
There is a concern for students getting off track, or the noise level in the class getting too high, but I believe the benefits of collaborative learning outweigh these costs. Teachers should make sure they have firm classroom management policies in place during these times.