Many teachers and students are reluctant to do cooperative learning CL, because they have had negative experiences with group activities. For instance, the interaction among group members lacked friendliness or new ideas. Here are 10 tips for helping groups function well. Some of the tips come from the best-selling book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (Pink, 2018).

1. Students need chances to stand and otherwise move their bodies in a variety of ways (e.g., please see the CL Technique: 7S or use Skits). Chair yoga, deep breathing, and stretch breaks can also be useful.
2. Spending some time socializing is fine. Group activities do not need to be all business. Also, if schools allow it, food and drink can be enjoyed while groups interact.
3. Everyone benefits when students express gratitude to fellow group members and others, including being grateful to themselves as well. Gratitude messages should include reasons, such as “I appreciated that Carlos took the time to organize all our files, because that helps us think more clearly,” or “I’m proud of this group for trying to do our part to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
4. Groups may benefit from occasionally discussing how well the group is functioning. This can be an opportunity for students to express gratitude, and it can also be an opportunity to highlight problems. For example, maybe group members need to communicate more often and clearly, and groups also need to ensure that all members feel fully included.
5. Students can discuss how their group will communicate outside of class. Nowadays, many possibilities exist, including phone calls, emails, and social media-based groups. However, not everyone has access, and different people have different preferences. Students should respect the fact that different families and different cultures have varying rules or norms for social interaction.
6. Students express emotional reactions to what they are learning. When talking about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sadness comes easily. People and nonhuman animals are suffering every minute of every day because we have not made enough progress on the 17 SDGs. Furthermore, the efforts of classroom groups can only do so much to help.
7. One way to promote the feeling of positive interdependence among group members is via identity positive interdependence. This means that sharing a common identity can motivate the group. Ideas for promoting this common identity include making a group name, motto, logo, handshake, song, poem, cheer, clap, proverb, or mascot.
8. Groups can have a hero or heroine, from the present, the past, or even the future. This is a person who inspires the group. For example, a famous scientist might be a heroine in a science class, or a famous poet might inspire a language class.
9. Groups work best when their activities enhance the personal development of each group member. For example, perhaps one member wants to use the activity to improve their writing skill. In this case, the other members would give this person more opportunities to write, with the others acting as coaches.
10. Rotating roles get everyone involved and help everyone to feel valuable. Roles can be as simple as Timekeeper. Another role could be that of Facilitator who promotes group functioning, by asking questions and encouraging everyone to speak. Rotating roles allow everyone to equally develop their classroom skills.