Cooperative Learning or Learning to Cooperate

This paper examines the applicability of cooperative learning to management education. Cooperative learning is a paradigm that has been receiving significant attention in education in the 1990’s. The paper presents an overview of cooperative learning. Cooperative learning is a pedagogical approach whose basic premise is that learning involves the “active construction” of knowledge through the use of structured peer support and peer tutoring. In this paper cooperative learning is advanced as an important experiential methodology for management education. The paper also presents the results of two preliminary studies, which implemented cooperative learning protocols into typical management courses. The studies show the benefits and special considerations unique to cooperative learning, including the development of positive attitudes toward teams, individual accountability and the use of ‘experts.’ Finally, based on the authors’ experience with the preliminary studies, several suggestions are provided on how to introduce cooperative learning methodologies into management courses.