co-operative groups - from age 5

When this is integrated into normal classroom practice, pupils can: 

• explore issues and controversies by considering different points of view
• be more tolerant of others and more willing to listen
• trust those of the opposite gender and those from other ethnic groups
• become better integrated into the peer group

Children work together on shared tasks, involving co-operation and individual accountability. For example, groups of pupils in ‘expert’ groups research aspects of a topic. The ‘experts’ then return to the ‘home’ group to instruct one another and produce a joint piece of work. In a final plenary session, children are debriefed about the task that they have just done, or the way in which they have worked together, or both.

Variants include trust-building exercises, co-operative games, problem-solving activities, discussion groups, role play and simulations.

All share some essential aspects: 

• pupils work together and help one another, managing conflicts within the group
• there are tasks needing a group effort
• children share information and divide work towards common goals
• roles vary within groups: leading, minuting, problem-solving, tidying up

Working together as colleagues, relationships sometimes develop into real friendships. Potential victims of bullying can be drawn into working groups with other children who do not abuse or take advantage of them. Training and manuals are available. (see curricular approaches to bullying section)

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