Cooperative learning is an effective instructional strategy in many content areas. Students who repeatedly engage in cooperative group tasks tend to have higher academic test scores, higher self-esteem, stronger social skills, and greater content knowledge. The following teaching strategies can be used to ensure that art tasks completed in small groups truly result in the learning of each group member.

• Make sure the learning outcome is clear and understood by each individual.
• State instructions clearly before groups begin.
• Make the instructions easily accessible once groups begin working.
• Divide the students into heterogeneous groups.
• Remember that cooperative tasks are not necessarily competitive tasks.
• Make sure there is an equal opportunity for each group to achieve success.
• Structure tasks so students must rely on one another to complete the task.
• Provide easy access to resource materials.
• Provide sufficient time for the completion of the cooperative task.
• Make sure each student is held accountable for individual learning.
• Provide time during and after the task for student reflection on new knowledge and on the group process.