Plain English Meaning
A teaching method where the instructor divides students into small teams that learn the material together, and each student is accountable for understanding it and for making sure their teammates understand it too.
Full Definition
An instructional method in which students work together in small, structured groups to achieve a shared learning goal, with each member responsible both for their own learning and for helping the others learn the assigned material.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instructor training when choosing a teaching method for ground lessons, preflight discussions, scenario practice, or group problem-solving exercises.
Derivation
From Latin cooperari, 'to work together' (co- 'with' + operari 'to work'). The name reflects the core idea: students cooperate rather than compete, and the group succeeds or struggles together.