From group-based learning to cooperative learning: A metacognitive approach to project-based group supervision

Group-based learning creates an environment in which students can practice, gain, and improve soft skills such as leadership, communication, social, and conflict resolution skills. However, simply placing students in groups and creating group-based assessment tasks will not necessarily result in students developing and practicing these skills. Instead, specific approaches, such as co-operative learning in this case, need to be followed to ensure students develop theses skills. Of the six principles of cooperative learning, the first four (positive interdependence, accountability, team formation, and team size) can be addressed in the manner in which the groups are formed, its size, group assessment tasks, and the way in which the tasks are assessed. The remaining two principles, cognitive development and social development, can be addressed through a metacognitive approach to group supervision, which are detailed in this paper.