Overview of Cooperative Learning

• What are the key characteristics of cooperative learning? How do these differ from other models of teaching?
• What are the six phases of a cooperative learning lesson?
• What are the major learner outcomes for cooperative learning?
• What type of learning environment works best for cooperative learning?

Theoretical and Empirical Support

• What philosophical and theoretical contributions did John Dewey and Gordon Allport make to the development of cooperative learning?
• Why are ideas from experiential learning important to cooperative learning?
• How strong is the empirical support for cooperative learning?
• On what effects of cooperative learning do researchers seem to agree? Disagree?

Planning and Conducting Cooperative Learning Lessons

• What are the major planning tasks associated with cooperative learning lessons?
• How does planning for cooperative learning lessons differ from planning for direct instruction?
• What factors should teachers consider when they are choosing a particular cooperative learning approach? When choosing how to form learning groups?
• What are the six phases of a cooperative learning lesson? What kinds of teacher behaviors are associated with each phase?
• How does the teacher's role in cooperative learning differ from the teacher's role in direct instruction?

Managing the Learning Environment

• What are the key features of the cooperative learning environment?
• What steps can teachers take to help students make a smooth transition from large groups to small groups?
• Name the important social and group skills required of students if they are to work together effectively.