A Definition for Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning can be defined as a generic term that describes a variety

of small group interactive instructional procedures. In these procedures,
students work together in small groups (usually on academic tasks) to help
themselves and their teammates learn together. In general, cooperative
learning methods share the following five characteristics.
1. Students work together on common tasks or learning activities that are best
handled through group work.
2. Students work together in small groups containing two to five members.
3. Students use cooperative pro-social behavior to accomplish their common
tasks or learning activities.
4. Students are positively interdependent. Activities are structured so that
students need each other to accomplish their common tasks or learning
activities.
5. Students are individually accountable or responsible for their work or
learning.
(taken from Miller, 1996, http://www.utc.edu)

Cooperative Learning Structures and Techniques

There are many cooperative learning structures and techniques available
for just about any learning situation. Given the objective for a lesson, you
need to select a structure that will provide the optimal learning experience
for the students. If the objective is to get to know the other students, then
a team

building technique should be used. If mastery of information

is your focus, then one of the mastery structures would be the best
choice. If the emphasis of a lesson is to get students to understand
concepts, then a concept

development structure should be used.

Themultifunctional structures can be used for getting students to

know each other better, mastery of information, as well as concept
development.
Kagan (1989/1990) provides an excellent overview of the various
cooperative learning structures, including their academic and social
functions. Select a cooperative learning structure (by clicking on it) and a
table will appear that gives a brief explanation of each structure. The
structures include the following categories:

Team Building (including Classbuilding, and

Communication Building) has three
structures, Roundrobin, Corners, andMatch Mine.
Mastery also has three structures, Numbered Heads
Together,Color-Coded Co-op Cards, and Pairs
Check.
Concept Development also includes three
structures, Three-Step Interview, Think-Pair-Share,
and Team Word-Webbing.
Multifunctional includes five
structures, Roundtable, Inside-Outside
Circle, Partners, Jigsaw, and Co-op Co-op