ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book enhances the understanding of cooperative group work in the classroom. It provides examples from different contexts, cultures, and age groups to help in developing an understanding of the benefits of cooperative learning (CL). The book focuses on the factors in effective professional development for teachers in CL, which emphasise the consideration of different phases of training. It provides a theoretical model, which acknowledges the contributions of work from each of the major theoretical perspectives and the likely role that each plays. The book reinforces the issues that may ensue from a lack of inclusive practices. It focuses on the development of young children's writing in Switzerland, and examines how to integrate CL skills into learning tasks.
