Kagan
It's All About Engagement!
Kagan Cooperative Learning
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Click here to read review for the International Association for the Study of Cooperation in Education (IASCE) by Neil Davidson.
I don't know how I ever lived without my Kagan Cooperative Learning, by Spencer Kagan!
I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a textbook as much as I’ve enjoyed reading this Kagan book. I have a few chapters still but I look forward to reading about the possibilities for my classroom. I have so many ideas that I know I need to plan intentionally so can make the impact I am dreaming of.
Thank you for opening my eyes!
—Mrs. Jessica Evans 3rd Grade, Centennial Elementary School
This book has drastically changed how I teach in my third grade classroom. All of the cooperative learning activities that Kagan outlines in this book are well researched and are easy to implement. These activities are great for any grade level, and my school has successfully used them with teachers at staff in-services and meetings. Through cooperative learning ideas outlined in this book my students have learned content in a way that builds social skills and self-esteem. All teachers should have this book on their desks at all times!
—Maribeth Dann, MO, USA
Cooperative Learning is a resource for all teachers to bring cooperative learning techniques into the classroom. It covers grouping in pairs and small groups to build a team learning spirit in the classroom. Cooperative Learning is more than grouping children together it is helping students learn to work together toward a common learning goal with each person doing their part in the project. This is a guide that has helped over the years and made cooperative learning part of my teaching in all of my classrooms as a wonderful reference.
Jane Jones, NC, USA
This book has really helped drive my instruction to be more student-centered. My kids love it and they are more actively engaged and involved in their learning.
Amazon Customer
Fabulous book cover to cover! There are so many easy to implement resources to build cooperative learning in any classroom. Every teacher should have this book and use it!
Nicole Sunday, TN, USA
This is a MUST purchase for any and all teachers out there! These cooperative learning strategies can be integrated into any classroom lesson and help to liven the classroom environment and increase learning potential.
Brian B., WA, USA
“If I could say buy one book for an educator, Kagan Cooperative Learning would probably be top of the list.”
—May Beasley, 5th Grade Teacher
from an interview for the Teaching Experience Podcast
Mine is tattered, torn and dirty on the edges. There are probably close to 100 many-colored Post-It note flags in the pages. I've used it for so many years that when the binding finally bit the dust, I tore it apart and put it in a 3 ring binder. It is my "bible" of sorts when it comes to new ideas for Cooperative Learning lessons. I own no other book that is as well used. I have certainly gotten my money's worth out of this great resource book.
I regularly turn to the Index of Structures on the first few pages and use the chart for reminding myself of structures I know but haven't used in awhile. If I need a classbuilding Idea, I just run my finger down the chart until I find the PERFECT one for my class and content! Then, I just turn to the noted chapter and page for the information. Easy!
I often use the section on Project Design in my classroom. I never really figured out HOW to do a long term project with my class until I used this book. They tell you in school you should do this but no one shows you how! With this book, I learned to use different project designs such as Co-op Co-op, Group Investigation, Co-op Jigsaw and Rotation Learning Centers.
I would say that the this is the most valuable book I own when it comes to planning lessons and becoming a more effective teacher. Thank you, Spencer Kagan!I am writing this on behalf of our Professional Development Department. In a nutshell, my department loves the new book, and they all want a copy! The presentation of material is very user friendly. The format of the book makes it easy to find what you need. Being a part-time trainer with Kagan, I have read through parts of the book, and I find it be an easy read. One can tell Dr. Kagan took time to write it and embed so much of the current research. Also having the blackline masters makes it so much easier for teachers to use right away!
–Joyce Stiglitz-Nuehring
Specialist/Professional Development
School Board of Sarasota County, Florida
When I received my copy, I could not put it down! It has a wealth of information. Not just on cooperative learning but sound researched based effective teaching and management strategies. Spencer and Miguel need to be applauded for producing this masterpiece. As a principal of a model Kagan Cooperative Learning School I can tell you it is my Cooperative Learning Bible. I purchased a copy for my entire staff. Next year my plans are for us to nibble through it piece by piece, savoring every bite.
Sincerely,
Randy Borland
Principal, Berkley Elementary School
Our elementary teachers have implemented a systematic ELD program at all grade levels for English learners and this copy of the latest book has been extremely helpful in planning our training sessions for the teachers. Our focus for our teachers is to make them aware of the importance of cooperative learning and how it differs from the unstructured "group work."
Kagan Cooperative Learning is thorough and it is formatted and colored in such a way to make it easy to use and refer to for quick ideas.
As the teacher coach who is using the book now, I am especially appreciative of the section on Frequent Questions, as I face them on a regular basis.
Many thanks,
Ann Stekelberg
Berryessa Union School District, CA
I have just opened up the copy of your new book: Kagan Cooperative Learning. This is a major achievement. It is a book that thousands of educators have been waiting for. It is a great synthesis, revision, and update of your previous book on the structural approach.
—Neil A. Davidson
Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland
Past President, International Association for the Study of Cooperation in Education (IASCE)
Thank you for the book, Kagan Cooperative Learning. It is well written and easy to use. I really liked the use of the different shades of blue used with the font, how you have incorporated Questions at a Glance, Critical Questions, the structure functions and where they can be located. Another desired feature are the blackline masters. The explanation in the blue text boxes and the chapter summaries were extremely beneficial. The graphics also enhanced the presentation of the book.
—Norma L. Sierra :-)
Ysleta Independent School District
Pasodale Elementary
Assistant Principal
The new books is very good. I have already used it both as a reference and a refresher for the structures. What is great about it is the organization. I like that it begins with the rationale and with FAQs about cooperative learning. The book is a good "all around" book about the structures and why they work. If someone was going to buy just one about the Structures, this would be it. Thanks for sending it.
— Ilene Haney
South Seminole Middle School, School Trainer
Reviews from Amazon.com customers:
Cooperative Learning Done Right
Reviewer: "lmarmarmar" (Temple Terrace, Florida United States)
Have you ever wanted your students to do a group activity but you didn't know how to get started? Did you want to make sure the groups were compatible, diverse, and productive? Were you worried about how to assess group work and make sure that every group member was participating equally? Then you need this book! Kagan Cooperative Learning is a necessary tool for succcessful group work. This book and its components are so effective that school districts all over the country are adopting it as their main source for cooperative learning. As a teacher in a county that has done just that, I am very grateful to Spencer Kagan. Before this book (and the workshop), I was terrified to let my students do group work. Now, though, I have the most useful tool I have ever owned and my students do group work succesfully and very often. Some of the things you will learn from this book include: how to form groups (randomly, homogeneously, and heterogeneuosly), activities for establishing group rapport, how to assign effective and well-defined roles to each group member, teaching social skills, ensuring equal participation and positive interdependence, and how to assess work. I highly encourage every teacher to get this book. Just keep your eye on it because your colleagues will want it for their own!
Makes Cooperative Learning Easy
Reviewer: Maribeth Dann (Hermann, mo USA)
This book has drastically changed how I teach in my third grade classroom. All of the cooperative learning activities that Kagan outlines in this book are well researched and are easy to implement. These activities are great for any grade level, and my school has successfully used them with teachers at staff inservices and meetings. Through cooperative learning ideas outlined in this book my students have learned content in a way that builds social skills and self-esteem. All teachers should have this book on their desks at all times!
Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Have you ever wanted your students to do a group activity but you didn't know how to get started? Did you want to make sure the groups were compatible, diverse, and productive? Were you worried about how to assess group work and make sure that every group member was participating equally? Then you need this book! Kagan Cooperative Learning is a necessary tool for successful group work. This book and its components are so effective that school districts all over the country are adopting it as their main source for cooperative learning. As a teacher in a county that has done just that, I am very grateful to Spencer Kagan. Before this book (and the workshop), I was terrified to let my students do group work. Now, though, I have the most useful tool I have ever owned and my students do group work successfully and very often. Some of the things you will learn from this book include: how to form groups (randomly, homogeneously, and heterogeneously), activities for establishing group rapport, how to assign effective and well-defined roles to each group member, teaching social skills, ensuring equal participation and positive interdependence, and how to assess work. I highly encourage every teacher to get this book. Just keep your eye on it because your colleagues will want it for their own!
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