This monograph offers some basic information for putting cooperative learning into practice. Eight popular cooperative learning approaches are first outlined. The approaches vary along two dimensions: how tasks are assigned and divided among students, and what counts toward team scores and rewards. Certain approaches have all students working on the same task, while others divide tasks among team members. Some give group rewards based on the total of individual team members' achievement, while others either do not give group rewards, or they reward groups as a whole based on something other than individual performance. A description is given of the different ways these models structure student tasks, accountability, and rewards. As an aid to determining which approaches are best suited to particular instructional purposes, four cooperative learning goals are described: (1) to improve relations among groups; (2) to help the academically handicapped; (3) to increase self-esteem; and (4) to foster positive feelings about learning and school. Practical suggestions on using cooperative learning are offered as well as resources for further study. (JD)