Cooperative learning: pedagogic practice for school and cultural development

There is common agreement in the literature on school and cultural development in both primary and secondary education in terms of the use of cooperative learning techniques. This consensus has brought to light another necessity: the teaching staff must receive training based on cooperative learning strategies. This study deals with the effects that Eliot Aronson's Jigsaw technique has produced in a group of teachers (N = 6) working in heterogeneous ethno-cultural classrooms. We used a quasi-experimental design for two groups, with pretests and postests. What our results show is the need of their systematic incorporation in the initial and continuous training of teachers, taking into account the advantages gathered in the course of the experience.