Co-operative group work is not the same as traditional group work, where learners are instructed to sit together in a group, and "work together’ on a project. 

For the purposes of this module, co-operative learning can be described as "The instructional use of small groups through which students work together to maximise their own and each other’s learning". There is sharing of responsibility and information as well as working together for a common purpose. 

This table shows some of the differences between Traditional groups and Co-operative Learning groups.

Traditional Groups	Co-operative groups
TOP PRIORITY: Get the job done!	TOP PRIORITY: Get the job done, have fun, like each other!
Responsibility is only for self	Responsibility is for each other
There may be sharing but littleinter-dependence	Positive inter-dependence
There is no individual accountability (eg Individuals could opt out of participating)	Individual accountability (Individuals are accountable to the group)
The social skills of working in a group are assumed to already be in place or not considered important	Social skills are taught and re-inforced
The teacher is the primary resource	The learners are the major resource
The teacher intervenes	The teacher interacts with the learners, mediates learning and facilitates the process.
There is one appointed leader	There is shared leadership
There is no group processing	The groups process their effectiveness and produce one product

Adapted from: Information on Co-operative Learning: Penn State Commonwealth College - Physical Therapist Assistant Program http://www.ma.psu.edu/~pt/group/cooplrn.htm 

Working in co-operative groups can be a great motivator – allowing children to enjoy the company and ideas of others, as well as finding out more about themselves.