The key to cooperative learning is the careful structuring of learning groups. There are many ways to structure such groups, but some of the key elements are the building of interdependence, the designing of interaction processes, and accountability. The building of social skills around such areas as decision-making, communication, and conflict management is also fundamental to cooperative learning. Collaborative Learning is a process in which facilitators and learners work together in identifying and exploring perceptions, opinions, beliefs and understandings. This process offers opportunities for learning in a mutually supportive climate.
Collaboration can be among learners and facilitators or among learners themselves.
The process can address setting objectives, developing curriculum, determining methods, carrying out activities, and selecting evaluation criteria. The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living from the dead.