Selecting Cooperative Learning Techniques: A Consultative Strategy Guide

Abstract

Cooperative learning encompasses a variety of learning techniques in which small groups of students work together to achieve academic goals. The literature contains reports of numerous academic and social benefits resulting from the use of cooperative learning. In this article, we present a classification scheme for cooperative learning techniques. This scheme can be utilized by consulting psychologists when collaborating with teachers to select cooperative learning techniques that are compatible with their styles of teaching and specific instructional objectives. In our classification scheme, we include categories of (a) type of subject matter, (b) nature of student interdependence, (c) interaction among cooperative groups, (d) method of grouping students, (e) basis for evaluation and reward, and (f) practical requirements for implementation. Nine cooperative learning techniques are described and classified according to the scheme presented. Other considerations for implementation of cooperative learning are also discussed.