At Gordonbrock, collaboration is one of the five key drivers in our school’s vision, fuelling both individual and collective growth. By fostering a collaborative environment, we aim to ensure that pupils not only master academic content but also develop critical interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork and empathy. This approach also extends to teachers and the wider school community, where shared efforts, ideas and goals create a more cohesive and effective educational environment.
To help us achieve our vision, we implement Kagan Cooperative Learning.
Kagan Cooperative Learning is a widely adopted approach in schools, designed to promote pupil engagement, collaboration and achievement. Developed by Dr. Spencer Kagan, this method is built on ‘Kagan Structures’ which are simple, step-by-step instructional strategies that foster cooperation and active participation among pupils. Unlike traditional group work, Kagan Structures ensure that every pupil contributes meaningfully, boosting both academic and social skills.
At the core of the Kagan approach are four key principles, known as PIES:
- Positive Interdependence
- Individual Accountability
- Equal Participation
- Simultaneous Interaction
These principles guide how pupils work together in teams, ensuring that learning is equitable and that each student is responsible for their own contribution while relying on the team for success.
Teachers incorporate Kagan Structures like Numbered Heads Together, Think-Pair-Share or RallyRobin into all lessons, across all subjects. These structures not only make lessons more interactive but also help build critical skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Moreover, Kagan’s strategies are shown to increase pupil engagement, leading to improved academic outcomes and more inclusive classrooms. The method is particularly effective at closing achievement gaps and fostering a positive school culture by encouraging respectful and supportive peer interactions.
On communication, Kagan structures are highly effective in developing oracy—the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through speaking, listening and communication. By engaging pupils in cooperative learning activities, Kagan structures create frequent opportunities for pupils to practise these essential communication skills. Each pupil is given a voice and encouraged to share their perspectives in a supportive, structured environment. This approach not only enhances pupils’ confidence in speaking, but also sharpens their ability to express their ideas clearly, collaborate effectively, and communicate with purpose. Kagan’s emphasis on participation and interaction ensures that pupils develop the oracy skills vital for success both in and beyond the classroom.
To find out more about the power of Kagan, download their Kagan Infographic and The Benefits of Kagan posters.
To learn more about how Kagan Cooperative Learning transforms our classrooms, visit the Kagan website.