Pre-K and High School Students Engage in Cooperative Learning Experience for Healthier Eating By Deena Alreefy Marketing and Community Relations Liaison Published: 2023-10-18 06:10:52 In a unique learning initiative, pre-k students joined hands with their counterparts from grades 10 and 11 for a cooperative learning experience. The collaborative activity involved a short 15-minute walk to Alosra supermarket, where they shopped for healthy ingredients. These ingredients were later used in the classroom to create delicious and nutritious smoothies and sandwiches. This cooperative learning opportunity proved to be beneficial for both pre-K students and high school students, as it fostered engagement, active participation, motivation, cognitive reasoning, and the ability to see from others' perspectives. Cooperative learning strategies have long been recognized as effective tools for enhancing student engagement and active participation. By bringing together pre-K and high school students, this learning experience created a dynamic environment that encouraged interaction and collaboration. The joint task of shopping for ingredients and making healthy food items stimulated curiosity, creativity, and hands-on engagement, making the learning process enjoyable for all students. Collaborating with peers from different age groups offered a unique opportunity for students to see from others' perspectives. Pre-K students could observe and learn from the older students' behaviors, attitudes, and problem-solving approaches. Conversely, high school students had the chance to exercise leadership skills, empathy, and patience while guiding and supporting their younger counterparts. This exchange of ideas and perspectives promoted mutual understanding and empathy, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity among the students.