Cooperative learning is an effective instructional strategy in all content areas. Students who regularly participate 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 will help ensure that tasks completed in small groups result in learning of the Dance TEKS by all group members.

• Make sure the learning outcome is clear and understood by each individual.
• State instructions clearly before the group effort begins.
• Make the instructions easily accessible after groups have begun to work.
• Divide the students into heterogeneous groups.
• Remember that cooperative tasks do not need to be competitive tasks.
• Make sure there is an equal opportunity for each group to successfully complete its task.
• Structure tasks so students must rely on one another to complete them.
• Provide easy access to resource materials.
• Provide sufficient time for task completion.
• Make sure each student is held accountable for individual learning.
• Provide time during and after the task for student reflection on new knowledge and skills learned in the group activity.