Cooperative learning is the use of small groups in the classroom so that students work together to maximize their own and each other's learning (Eggen, 279). The idea is not complicated. Class members are organized into small groups after receiving initial instruction from the teacher (Eggen, 280-281). They then work through the assignment together until all group members totally understand the concept and complete the work (Sadker, 106). Cooperative efforts require that students learn to labor together toward common goals, which develops social skills similar to those needed in the world…
