Reports on over 600 research studies which compare learning in cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures have been collected at the Cooperative Learning Center at the University of Minnesota. From these studies it has been concluded that having students work together is much more powerful than having students work alone,…

Summary findings from a meta-analysis of 133 research studies of adults comparing the relative effectiveness of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic efforts show that cooperation among adults promotes achievement, positive interpersonal relationships, social support, and self-esteem. (MLF)

The authors review studies on the effects of these three types of learning situations on students' motivation, self-concept, attitudes, and psychological health. While concluding that all three can be appropriately used in the classroom, they give particular attention to the teacher's role in implementing cooperative activities. (SJL)

Discusses the necessity of student-student interactions for enhancing achievement, socialization, and healthy psychological development. Presents evidence concerning the constructive impact of the appropriate use of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic goal structures and the power of effectively managed controversy within the classroom.…

Research on the educational outcomes of cooperative learning strategies suggests that educators can "have their cake and eat it too" since these strategies have been found to promote simultaneously high achievement, constructive student-student relationships, positive attitudes toward subject areas, continuing education, critical…