River Heights and “Kagan” Cooperative Learning
The River Heights’ staff has engaged in training in Kagan Cooperative Learning. Kagan Cooperative Learning structures are designed to increase cooperative learning skills and student engagement. The Kagan structures (there are over 200 of them) are based on brain research and allow students to process information, develop thinking and social skills.
The basic principles of Kagan structures can be remembered by the acronym PIES:
P = Positive Interdependence (students working together in a positive manner)
I = Individual Accountability (each student is accountable for his or her own achievement/contribution)
E = Equal Participation (everyone participates, everyone learns)
S = Simultaneous Interaction (many students participate in the structures at once)