Teachers who use cooperative learning begin to relax and enjoy their students more. More time can be spent on facilitating knowledge and positive academic interactions with students as team leaders are tasked to do the micromanagement.

Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy in which small teams use a variety of learning abilities to improve their understanding of a subject. Strategies can be used both in pairs and groups and are designed to fulfill all of the following principles:

Positive interdependence

Individual accountability

Equal participation

Simultaneous interaction

Each student in the group is expected to contribute using interpersonal skills and face-to-face interaction. Students also participate in regular assessment of the group process. An effective cooperative learning environment incorporates numerous cross-disciplinary skills such as:

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Creativity

Communication

In order to successfully implement this methodology into the classroom, one must know their students and have a clear understanding of which of their students are leaders, followers, and who struggles. This knowledge pays tremendous dividends in the future as general classroom management shifts from being teacher-driven to student-centered. In this environment all students can become more productive, independent, and effective learners.