Cooperative learning groups are rising in popularity in classrooms everywhere. While a great deal of emphasis is placed on the measurement of student achievement using test scores, we must remember that student achievement also encompasses how well we prepare students to go out into the work world and perform. Cooperative learning is an important element of today's classroom because it increases achievement by helping students learn to consider the value of the ideas of others, learning problem solving skills, and preparing them for the real world.

Cooperative learning groups help students come to the realization that they do not always have the answer to every problem. Cooperative learning projects teach students that sometimes the best results are gained by taking multiple ideas and combining them into one better solution. These groups force students to discuss their ideas with other and helps them learn to take constructive criticism which is a skill which employers maintain can be a problem area for today's young people.

Cooperative learning groups assist students in learning problem solving skills in interpersonal relationships. Many students dread cooperative learning projects because they do not like to work as a part of a group for fear that other members in the group will not work as hard as they do. It is necessary for us to teach students that indeed this is a problem that they will face throughout their lifetimes and one that they must learn to be prepared to face. These types of assignments tend to bring out the leadership abilities of students because those who are focused on maintaining their grade average frequently aid others by encouraging them and increasing their level of achievement. Students will rise to the standards and expectations of their peers. Cooperative learning groups are a way of having students encourage each other.

The use of cooperative learning groups give students real world experience by forcing them to learn to work with others and not merely sit at a desk and use today's technology to solve problems. These groups force students to learn to work together for the good of a common cause and are an important learning tool in today's school setting.

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