Chap 3. History of Cooperative Learning History of Theory and
Research Three theoretical perspectives have guided research on
cooperative learning: social interdependence, cognitive-
developmental, and behavioral. Interaction with other people is
essential for human survival. In an education setting, social
interdependence refers to students’ efforts to achieve, develop
positive relationships, adjust psychologically, and show social
competence. social interdependence perspective of cooperative
learning presupposes that the way social interdependence is
structured determines the way persons interact with each other.
Moreover, outcomes are the consequence of persons’ interactions.
Therefore, one of the cooperative elements that has to be
structured in the classroom is positive interdependence or
cooperation. When this is done, cooperation results in promotive
interaction as group members encourage and ease each other’s
efforts to learn (Johnson, Johnson, & Holubec, 1998). History of
Theory and Research: Social I