Using cooperative learning strategies in social work education

Cooperative learning strategies employ formally structured groups of studen ts working together to maximize their own and other students' learning. Thi s educational approach changes the classroom environment from one in which students are passive recipients of the instructor's knowledge, to one in wh ich they are active participants in their own education. Cooperative learni ng strategies have received little attention in the social work education l iterature, despite proven educational benefits elsewhere. This article defi nes cooperative learning, reviews the educational theory and research that support it, demonstrates its relevance to social work education, and provid es case examples for use throughout the social work curriculum.