Gestalt Psychology

We've all heard it before: "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts." Mathematically speaking this isn't possible, of course, but the principle is easily observed outside of mathematical principle.

One can easily see the non-existent images formed in empty space by the black shapes.

I personally find that there is greater significance yet, as we see this principle frequently at play in human interaction. For example, a sports team can accomplish more than a group acting as individuals ever could.

I believe this principle holds true in the classroom as well. If a classroom can be a cohesive unit, where students work together to aid one another, more learning will be accomplished on the whole than would have been if the students (and teacher) had acted as individuals.