Despite its overwhelmingly supportive research base, the use of Cooperative Learning by Professors in face-to-face and online environments is still in its infancy. Use of Cooperative Learning has been shown to increase retention in school, improve effort and conceptual achievement, increase the acknowledgement of the benefits of diversity, and promote the development of 21st century skills (Millis, 2010), yet relatively few faculty implement it well or regularly. Cooperative Learning student teams are relatively permanent, heterogeneous small teams created by the professor that actively engage in classroom learning activities. When this approach is used thoughtfully and in a well-structured way students grow as critical thinkers, effective problem solvers, and effective communicators. Diversity becomes a strength and teamwork and communication become valued skills while conceptualized learning for applied purposes becomes the norm.
In this session, advice to educators who are trying to assist change efforts in regards to Cooperative Learning will be highlighted. As the session develops, much will be made of the role SoTL can play in the assessment and dissemination of efforts by Professors to experiment with CL.