Examples of Cooperative Learning Structures

Think-Pair-Share: Students think of the answer, pair up with a partner, and then share and provide feedback to each other.

+ Think-Pair-Share provides “Think Time.” 

+ All students have the opportunity to share. 

Numbered Heads Together:  Students in small groups are assigned a number (1,2,3 etc) and then the teacher asks a question.  The students discuss the solution and all students will know the answer.  Teacher calls a number and that “numbered head” responds.

+ Perfect for reviewing basic facts and information.

+ All students have the opportunity to share. 

Line Up: Using specific information (i.e. a timeline of events in American History), the students “line up” to visually sequence the information.

+ Helps develop sequencing skills

+ Great for Visual and Bodily-Kinesthetic learners!

Corners: 4 Categories are outlined, i.e. Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, and Protein.  Students are given cards with information on them, i.e. apple, carrot, rice, peanuts.  Students choose which category their information best fits and places the information in the “corner.”

+ Develops categorization and classification skills

+ Show relationships between concepts

Pairs Match: Items that match are handed out to students, i.e. opposites, word + picture, etc. Students find their “pair.”

Jigsaw II: Form groups of 4 students (Home Group) and then number off (Expert Groups).  Expert Groups each learn a separate topic.  The Home Group forms again so that each “expert” can teach the others.  

+ Interaction and communication

+ Researching a topic from different points of view