Cooperative Learning

What is Cooperative Learning?

At our school, we believe that learning is most powerful when it happens together. Cooperative Learning is an approach that encourages children to work and think collaboratively — developing vital skills in communication, oracy, teamwork, and respect for others.

Since September 2021, we have been embedding Cooperative Learning strategies across the school, adapting ideas inspired by Kagan to meet the needs of our pupils. These strategies are now well established and form an important part of how we teach and learn every day.

Research has shown that cooperative learning can lead to:

• Increased academic achievement

• Stronger relationships between pupils

• Happier, more productive classrooms

• Greater self-esteem and confidence

This approach also supports the development of the Ashton-Gater characteristics — values that are celebrated throughout our school community.

In our classrooms, children work in teams of four or in pairs to share ideas, listen carefully to one another, and make progress together. Everyone is encouraged to take part, and every idea is valued. Because children know their ideas might be shared and discussed at any time, engagement is high and learning becomes active and purposeful.

Each cooperative learning activity has its own visual icon, used from EYFS to Year 6, so children quickly recognise and understand what’s expected of them.