This study tested the theory of social interdependence by examining the impact of cooperative
learning (CL) in comparison to traditional instructional methods (identified in this study as non-cooperative
learning, NCL) on 12 course learning environment factors, learning outcomes, and overall excellence of
instruction and courses. It also investigated the relationship of 12 course learning environment factors on
learning outcomes and overall excellence of instruction and courses. This study was conducted at a small
rural comprehensive community college and utilized over 3000 student ratings of instruction as the primary
data. The IDEA Center student rating form (IDEA Center, 1998b) was used to measure these variables. The
Questionnaire on the Use of Cooperative Learning (Cooperative Learning Center, 1991) was used to
identify faculty who taught courses integrating cooperative learning (CL) and those not integrating
cooperative learning (NCL)