Information:
Cooperative learning is a structured teaching method where students work together in small groups to achieve shared learning goals. Unlike traditional group work, cooperative learning is carefully designed by the teacher to support both academic achievement and social development.
Reminder:
You may already be familiar with group work, but cooperative learning is different—it includes specific elements that make collaboration more effective and inclusive.
Information:
This approach is based on social interdependence theory (Deutsch, 1949, 1962), which explains how people’s goals and actions are connected. Over time, this theory has been developed into a practical framework for schools, especially through the work of Johnson & Johnson (2009, 2013, 2014). Research shows that cooperative learning improves academic performance, motivation, relationships, and student well-being (Johnson et al., 2014; Kyndt et al., 2013; Roseth et al., 2008). It also helps students develop collaboration skills that are essential for life beyond school (Binkley et al., 2012; Dede, 2010; Lamb et al., 2017).
Definition: Cooperative learning is a teaching method where students learn together in small groups, with structured roles and tasks, designed to promote both academic and social learning.
Information:
According to Johnson & Johnson (2009), effective cooperative learning includes five key elements:
Reminder:
All five elements must be present for cooperative learning to be truly effective.
Information:
In this module, we’ll explore each element in detail and look at how they can be applied through different cooperative learning structures. These structures can be adapted to fit various subjects, grade levels, and classroom settings (Johnson & Johnson, 2008).
1.2.1 Positive interdependence
Information:
Positive interdependence is often seen as the most important element. It happens when students feel connected and understand that their success depends on the success of the group. This creates a “one for all, all for one” mindset. Teachers can encourage positive interdependence by asking:
Does the task require cooperation?
Will each student’s success benefit the others?
Definition:
Positive Interdependence – A situation where students rely on each other to achieve shared goals, fostering unity and cooperation.
Example: Here are some examples of how you can create positive interdependence in the student group
Information:
Positive interdependence and individual accountability go hand in hand. While students work together toward a shared goal, each student must also take personal responsibility for their contribution. This ensures that all group members are actively involved and prevents situations where some students rely on others to do the work. Teachers play a key role in structuring activities that promote both group and individual accountability. This balance helps students understand that their efforts matter—not just for themselves, but for the group as a whole.
Definition:
Individual Accountability – Each student is responsible for their own learning and contribution to the group’s success.
Example: Strategies to Promote Individual Accountability
Information: Distribution of Materials and Resources
Distributing unique materials among students particularly strengthens both individual accountability and positive interdependence. Each student becomes responsible for a specific part of the task, making their contribution essential.
Example:
Information:
Teachers can foster promotive interaction by organizing activities that create positive shared experiences. Team-building and class-building exercises are especially helpful in strengthening group cohesion.
Definition: Promotive Interaction – Students encourage and support each other’s learning through direct, respectful, and active engagement.
Tips for Organization and Grouping
Example:
Information:
Should students choose their own groups? While this may feel comfortable, it often leads to homogeneous groupings. Teacher-assigned groups encourage students to work with a variety of peers, preparing them for real-world collaboration.
Reminder:
Group diversity supports inclusion and helps students develop broader social and communication skills.
Information:
Effective group work requires more than just putting students together—it requires teaching social skills. These skills must be practiced alongside academic content to ensure successful collaboration. Teachers should identify the social skills needed for each task and teach them explicitly. According to Johnson, Johnson, and Holubec (2001), students should learn to recognize, practice, and reflect on these skills.
Definition:
Small Group and Interpersonal Skills – The social abilities students need to work effectively in groups, such as listening, sharing, and resolving conflicts.
Information: Key Collaboration Skills Include: Summarizing ideas, taking turns, thanking others, using humor appropriately, using names in conversation, waiting for their turn, interrupting appropriately, active listening, asking for responses, help, clarification, examples, explanations, repetition, checking for understanding, compromising, disagreeing politely, keeping the group on task, giving reasons, managing time, encouraging contributions, making suggestions, persuading others, praising others, and providing examples.
Example: Teaching collaboration skills
Information:
Group processing is the final element of cooperative learning. It allows students to reflect on how they worked together and what they learned—both academically and socially. Setting aside time for group processing helps students develop a shared language for collaboration and improves future group work.
Definition:
Group Processing – A structured reflection where students evaluate their collaboration and plan improvements.
Tips for Effective Group Processing
Example:
Explore this article to deepen your understanding of cooperative learning and the five elements Johnson & Johnson (2009): An Educational Psychology Success Story: Social Interdependence Theory and Cooperative Learning https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55b8e334e4b0e176420c9949/t/57273f5b86db4345e7323102/1462189915305/ER.CL-Success-Story-Pub-Version-09.pdf
Video lecture explaining the five elements of cooperative learning: https://youtu.be/IBBZPPe77IY?si=uY_UhOvfCe8pQ2vj