Cooperative learning is a widely researched pedagogy that has received very positive
research results in the USA and Canada. In the last few years this pedagogy has been
adopted by a number of schools in Scotland and by one Local Authority as a major area of
investment in training. At the same time, a new curriculum, called Curriculum for
Excellence, is being introduced in Scotland that will bring significant changes to current
practice. Underpinning this new curriculum is the development of the ‘four capacities’ of
successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.
To achieve the aims of Curriculum for Excellence there will need to be a change in how
schools are organised and in the approaches to learning and teaching that take place in our
classrooms. This has implications for the continuing professional development (CPD) of
teachers as there is a requirement, in the new curriculum, to provide more active learning
in the classroom. This thesis has developed from a personal interest in the capacity of
cooperative learning to include and engage learners and, therefore, its ability to promote
active learning. This thesis argues, through the literature and research data reviewed, and
the evidence of the research undertaken as part of this project, that cooperative learning is
an effective way to support, and therefore develop, the four capacities of Curriculum for
Excellence.