Co-operative learning: What it has to offer New Zealand teachers

The impressive research base on co-operative learning shows that it helps teachers to raise the academic achievement of all students, as well as helping students with healthy social, psychological and cognitive development. However, many of the benefits of co-operative learning strategies are not realised because of poor or partial implementation, or infrequent use. This article outlines five basic characteristics of co-operative learning, its philosophical basis, links with the Curriculum Framework, and how to get started.