Research Evidence in Cooperative Learning

Research is missing for Kagan structures. There are no peer reviewed studies on Kagan structure learning outcomes.Research on cooperative learning demonstrated "overwhelmingly positive" results and confirmed that cooperative modes are cross-curricular. Cooperative learning requires students to engage in group activities that increase learning and adds other important dimensions. The positive outcomes include academic gains, improved race relations and increased personal and social development. Students who fully participate in group activities, exhibit collaborative behaviors, provide constructive feedback, and cooperate with their groups have a higher likelihood of receiving higher test scores and course grades at the end of the semester. Cooperative learning is an active pedagogy that fosters higher academic achievement. Cooperative learning has also been found to increase attendance, time on task, enjoyment of school and classes, motivation, and independence.

Benefits and applicability of cooperative learning:
Students demonstrate academic achievement
Cooperative learning methods are usually equally effective for all ability levels
Cooperative learning is effective for all ethnic groups
Student perceptions of one another are enhanced when given the opportunity to work with one another
Cooperative learning increases self-esteem and self-concept
Ethnic and physically/mentally handicapped barriers are broken down allowing for positive interactions and friendships to occur

Cooperative learning results in:
Increased higher level reasoning
Increased generation of new ideas and solutions
Greater transfer of learning between situations

Cooperative learning is significant in business:
Cooperative learning can be seen as a characteristic of innovative businesses
The five stage division on cooperative learning creates a useful method of analyzing learning in innovative businesses
Innovativity connected to cooperative learning seems to make the creation of innovations possible