Team Assignments Can Be Effective Cooperative Learning Techniques

Abstract

Abstract For almost a decade, studies have concluded that sole reliance on the lecture method is not effective because the student is the passive recipient in the learning process. Yet many of the business courses in higher education are taught through the lecture format. This article discusses the advantages of cooperative learning when applied to team assignments. Team assignments, an active application of theory, are recommended as a complement to the lecture. A team assignment structure and the problem of the “free rider” are discussed. The forms are “generic,” to suggest that they can be adapted to any undergraduate or graduate business course.