**2. Cooperative learning**

Most methods of active learning require the use of cooperative learning as an essential part of their method. Cooperative learning is the foundation on which most active learning methods are built. *Cooperation* is working together to accomplish shared goals [10, 11]. When cooperating, individuals work to achieve outcomes that benefit themselves and all other group members. *Cooperative learning* exists when small groups of students work to enhance their own and their groupmates' learning [1]. It is often compared to *competitive learning* (students working to accomplish academic goals that only one or a few participants can attain) and *individualistic learning* (each student working by him- or herself to complete assignments). Student efforts are evaluated on a criteria-referenced basis in cooperative and individualistic learning, while in competitive learning students are evaluated on a norm-referenced basis. Any learning task in any subject area with any curriculum may be structured cooperatively, but there are limitations on when and where competitive and individualistic learning may be used appropriately.

Cooperative learning is largely based on two theories: Structure-Process-Outcome theory and Social Interdependence theory.
