Effective Cooperative Learning

Every cooperative learning activity has a specific structure - a particular procedure that can be described step by step. A variety of simple and more complex cooperative structures are described, shared and modelled in the workshops.

When using any of these structures, the content may change but the procedures for engaging in the activity remain the same.

When Cooperative Learning is implemented effectively we can expect higher self esteem and achievement, increased retention, greater social support and more on task behaviour. Students attain greater collaborative skills and intrinsic motivation, increased perspective taking, better attitudes toward teachers and school and greater use of higher level reasoning. (Johnson, Johnson, & Holubec (1990))