Overview

COOPERATIVE LEARNING
Overview Cooperative learning offers a better alternative to the traditional competitive classroom. It asserts that learning is maximized when students cooperate with each other rather than when they work alone. To make cooperative learning successful, teachers must develop the interpersonal and small-group skills of the students, and they must assign both individual and group accountability. Students need each other in order to achieve their best product or performance.

http://www.clcrc.com/
The Cooperative Learning Center at the University of Minnesota is a fantastic resource for both teachers and administrators. Its purpose is to develop and refine theories and procedures related to the use of cooperative learning in the classroom. The Center's website provides access to essays, theory, training helps, materials and newsletters on cooperative learning.

http://www.ed.gov/pubs/OR/ConsumerGuides/cooplear.html
Published by the U.S. Department of Education, this site defines cooperative learning, explains its benefits to students, and tells how to make it work without a special curriculum. In addition, it outlines specific programs used in schools throughout the country. The names of these programs are accompanied by a description of the use of cooperative learning, the target grade levels and subject areas, and a contact name for more information.

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