Collaborative and cooperative groups have shown to have many benefits: increased high order thinking, broader understanding, boosted concept retention and overall academic performance (Miller, 2013; Slavin, 2010). Most significantly conflict management skills and empathy are increased.

 

These have far reaching effects, transcending beyond improving their own educational achievements; developed negotiating and decision making skills produce significant life outcomes. In Zamia it was found that by teaching girls negotiating skills, they gained an “increased sense of control over their lives, interpersonal relationships, and assisted future decisions”, developing their "ability to advocate for themselves, indicating that they may be less likely to be pressured into situations that put their education and health at risk”, for example negotiating with parents to “spend more time doing homework” (Sperling, & Winthrop, 2016, p. 262). Further examples expound that these skills are developed within critical thinking and cooperative group frameworks.

 

These skills, termed “soft skills” by Sperling and Winthrop (2016), are also crucial to students’ success for 21st century employment.

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