Product reviews for The Beginner's Guide to Cooperative Learning

Within this engaging and at times provocative text, Jacob Werdelin and Drew Howard draw upon their wide range of experience to provide a well-researched vision of Cooperative Learning. And they pull no punches with their forthright stipulation that their model is not group work! 

Their emphasis is on promoting and valuing learners as the educator’s main teaching resource in terms of stimulating interaction. The model is based on how Spencer Kagan’s PIES framework principles of positive interdependence, individual accountability, equal participation and simultaneous interaction is facilitated by using a CLIP (Cooperative Learning Interaction Pattern).

The authors’ practical explanations of effective practice, in particular how the Cooperative Learning model played an integral part in a school’s journey from being in special measures to a more positive learning community, are very beneficial. In addition, the ‘What’s in it for …?’ sections in Chapter 5 explore the benefits for learners, parents, SENCOs, support staff, leaders and others within the changing learning and social environment which has emerged from the pandemic.

This is an all-embracing guide to implementing Cooperative Learning as a means to build confidence and enthusiasm and to get everyone on board by giving them their voice and valuing their contribution. This is particularly relevant following COVID-19 disruptions with the need to address key issues of attainment levels, achievement gaps, student engagement, online learning, emotional issues and other social issues.

The Beginner’s Guide to Cooperative Learning is well worth a read and a good resource to improve daily practice, wider team recognition and student involvement in the process of learning.