Building Community and Achievement with Cooperative Learning

Cooperative Learning in the Classroom participants during the Summer Teacher Academy - July 8-11, 2025

The cooperative learning training presented by Elle Rayphand was terrific because it provided a clear, research-based framework—the PIES model (Positive Interdependence, Individual Accountability, Equal Participation, and Simultaneous Interaction)—that goes far beyond simply grouping students together. 

This approach not only boosts academic achievement by increasing engagement and retention, but also supports students’ social-emotional development by fostering empathy, confidence, and a sense of belonging. I plan to apply strategies like Talking Chips to ensure every student has a voice and to build a stronger classroom community, and I will be more deliberate in my lesson planning to maximize participation and learning. Ultimately, the training supports my goal of creating a more inclusive, student-centered classroom and equips me to share these impactful strategies with colleagues for broader professional growth.