Guiding Question: How does cooperative learning prepare students for success in and out of the classroom?

Establish a classroom culture that supports cooperative learning by being transparent with students about norms and parameters within which collaborative learning will occur.

Focus on the underpinnings that lead to group success by establishing and teaching the structure and processes students will follow as they work in cooperative groups. Model what students should do as they move into and work in their collaborative groups. Be sure they understand how to use the social skills required of them.

Provide additional instruction, practice, and corrective feedback on the social skills necessary to function successfully in cooperative groups.

Ensure that cooperative learning aligns with the intent for education when the target for learning includes mastery of skills or processes, balance collaborative learning with sufficient opportunities for students to practice those skills and techniques independently.

To avoid misuse of cooperative learning, use collaborative learning tasks that are well structured. A well-structured task has clearly defined goals for learning, roles, and responsibilities for each member, and it maintains individual accountability.

Design cooperative learning tasks to include strategic use of other instructional strategies to deepen their understanding and use knowledge meaningfully.