The effects of cooperative learning on academic achievement are positive and measurable. Continued discussion and student synthesis of information allows the child to develop a more solid understanding, which leads to better retention of the material. Additionally, when a student encounters a part of the assignment that they are struggling with, their peers will take on the role of teacher and help them overcome this obstacle. In doing so, the student who would have failed in the past will now succeed thanks to the help of the members of his group. However, it is worth asking the question whether cooperative learning provides benefits other than academic success. In a typical classroom, it has been noted that “interactions between students of different ethnic groups are generally competitive and superficial” (Slavin, 1995, p.51). Through the implementation of cooperative learning groups in the classroom, teachers create the opportunity for students from diverse ethnic groups to work together and ultimately strive to achieve the same common goal. Creating groups like these indirectly teaches students support for interracial interactions. However, for this to be effective, the teacher must ensure that each student plays an equal role within the group. Cooperative learning provides the opportunity to create a means of interaction with students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are often the target of negative comments and feelings because they don't seem to be doing as well academically. When working in a cooperative learning group, students with disabilities can make a significant contribution within the group, which can in turn positively lead to acceptance by mainstream students. Robert Slavin (1995) found that o...... papermaking environment, trust building, communication and conflict management (Palmer, 2003). They will have the opportunity to develop their own self-esteem and that of their classmates to a higher level. Finally, in a stimulating environment, students will receive encouragement in a cooperative setting from me, the instructor and their peers, which will help them develop greater effectiveness (Palmer, 2003).BibliographyFoyle, H., Lyman, L. and Alexander-Thies, S. (1991). Cooperative learning in the early childhood classroom. National Education Association. Palmer, G., Peters, R. and Streetman, R. (2003). Cooperative learning. Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Accessed 10/30/2011>, at http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/.Slavin, RE (1995). Cooperative learning, theory, research and practice. Allyn and Bacon.