Cooperative Learning Assessments: Students work cooperatively to demonstrate comprehension of material. This includes but is not limited to creating projects, answering critical thinking questions, participating in simulations, or solving problems.
Strengths: Cooperative learning assessments have a wide variety of benefits. These benefits include multiple ways to assess student learning, the ability to assess both individual and group comprehension of material, the opportunity for students to experience authentic real world assessment.
Weaknesses: Cooperative learning is only effective when student grouping is done with set guidelines in mind. In addition, there must be both individual and group accountability in order for all students to benefit. Finally, the assessment criteria must be defined before hand and must be provided to the students.
Role of Technology: Technology enhances the cooperative learning experience through allowing students to work outside of the classroom through discussion boards, email, and online classrooms. In addition, it allows students to utilize digital tools to demonstrate their comprehension in a wider variety of ways.