The development of trust is a critical prerequisite for successful cooperative learning groups. Well structured and appropriately used, cooperative learning promotes higher level thinking in students. Procedures are suggested to help teachers organize groups. Strategies for classroom implementation of the five attributes of cooperative learning are presented.
Conflict is a healthy and natural stage in the growth process which occurs in cooperative learning.
Approaches to dealing with conflict are explored. Flexibility and training are necessary to help students understand and fulfill their roles in a cooperative group. Cooperative learning IS NOT an easier method of instruction.