Welcome to Cooperative Learning K–12, an engaging and practical onlineprofessional development course designed specifically for educators. Throughoutthis course, you’ll explore ways to implement or enhance cooperativelearning—often referred to as small-group learning—within your classroom environment.

Cooperative learning transforms the traditional dynamics of teaching. Rather than placingthe full burden of instruction and assessment on the teacher, this approachdistributes responsibility among students, encouraging them to take ownershipof their learning and support one another in the process. Whether it’scollaboratively solving a multi-step math problem or designing a prototype foran innovative school, cooperative tasks offer students a meaningful context todeepen both their academic understanding and social development.

In cooperative learning settings, roles evolve:

• Teachers become facilitators, guiding and scaffolding rather than delivering knowledge from the front of the room.

• Students become co-owners of the learning process, actively engaging with peers through dialogue, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.

Not only does cooperative learning support academic achievement, but it also promotes essential life skills. Students build self-esteem, improve motivation, and develop empathy by interacting withpeers in supportive, goal-driven teams. Through group dialogue and shared experiences, they learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and refine their communication and collaboration skills.