How much class time should be devoted to cooperative learning?
This question will be answered in practice very differently by each teacher. Some experienced teachers use cooperative groups most of the time and others use them one day a week in one subject only. In general, teachers training with me end up using cooperative learning more than any other approach, but this usually comes about gradually. My own research showed that very impressive academic and social gains can be obtained if cooperative learning is used only briefly. One recommendation I do make: Try cooperative learning in a very limited way at first. After you have mastered the art of managing a classroom of teams and feel competent in one structure, you may well begin to include other techniques — eventually finding the amount and style of grouping which best fits your own style. I recommend you ease into cooperative learning; the excitement, involvement, and gains of your students will lead you to try more. 10. Should we use rewards — tokens, points, and certificates? Some argue
