Collaborative learning is a teaching method in which students learn together while exploring a significant question or completing a significant project. Cooperative learning is a type of collaborative learning in which students work together on specific structured activities to learn a concept. The instructor holds each student accountable for his individual work, and the instructor also evaluates the group as a whole.
While cooperative learning has many advantages, one of its biggest disadvantages is that grouping students together will almost always form a group in which some students are faster learners or workers than others. The students who need more time to understand the work may feel frustrated at being left behind. Alternately, students who learn faster may feel delayed or held back by having to wait for the ones that learn more slowly.
Another disadvantage of cooperative learning is that there are certain group dynamics present in all groups. Some students will always be leaders while others are followers. If one student tries to take over the group and the other students don't feel equally heard or valued, it can make it difficult for work to be done. Instead, the students spend time arguing over who is in charge as opposed to working together toward a common goal.
Yet another problem that might arise in cooperative learning is the difference in weight pulling. Some students may think that because they are working in a group, they can slack off. Other times, a student may not have the ability to contribute equally to the project. In either case, it can foster resentment in students who have to shoulder more than their fair share of work.