"Thoughtful, creative cooperative learning allows differentiation of tasks and processes. Well-structured cooperative learning lessons are often multilevel and multidisciplinary, calling for the “gifts” of a variety of students. In the context of an inclusive classroom, well-structured cooperative learning allows teachers to disrupt a limited hierarchy of intelligence. There are many ways to be smart, and students who are gifted in one area are not necessarily equally skilled in all areas. Cooperative learning can be the organizing value of instruction as well as the primary form of pedagogy."
Where do I start?
There are over 250 research based Kagan structures. The Essential Five provide a good jumping off point to incorporating these strategies into your teaching.
Are five still too many for you?
"Teachers that use just RallyRobin and Timed Pair Share can make a huge difference in achievement and engagement and can take their students a very long way simply instead of "calling-on-one." Along with higher academic achievement you will also see a reduction of the gap between high and low achieving students, improved social skills and cooperativeness, improved self-esteem, increased liking for school and learning, improved classroom climate, decreased discipline problems, increased leadership and employability skills, improved conflict resolution skills and increased empathy and concern for others!"
The Benefits and Research
Kagan Cooperative Learning-Structures for Success Part 1
School Success Stories
Kagan Cooperative Learning-Structures for Success Part 2
Ongoing Authentic Assessment
Kagan Cooperative Learning-Structures for Success Part 3
Clowes, G. The Essential 5: A Starting Point for Kagan Cooperative Learning. San Clemente, CA: Kagan Publishing. Kagan Online Magazine, Spring 2011. www.KaganOnline.com
