Is cooperative learning an appropriate pedagogy to support the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence?
Cooperative learning is a widely researched pedagogy that has received very positive research results in the USA and Canada. In the last few years this pedagogy has been adopted by a number of schools in Scotland and by one Local Authority as a major area of investment in training. At the same time, a new curriculum, called Curriculum for Excellence, is being introduced in Scotland that will bring significant changes to current practice. Underpinning this new curriculum is the development of the ‘four capacities’ of successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. To achieve the aims of Curriculum for Excellence there will need to be a change in how schools are organised and in the approaches to learning and teaching that take place in our classrooms. This has implications for the continuing professional development (CPD) of teachers as there is a requirement, in the new curriculum, to provide more active learning in the classroom. This thesi
