Cooperative learning has emerged as 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 can be used to ensure that music tasks completed in small groups truly result in learning of the Music TEKS and personal achievement for all group members.

• Make sure the learning outcome is clear and understood by each individual group member.
• State instructions clearly before the group effort begins.
• Make the instructions easily accessible after groups start 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 the task.
• 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.

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