“Kagan provides teachers with practical strategies for intellectual growth, social engagement, and emotional well-being”
Deputy Principal, North Shore
EFFECTIVE PEDAGOGY
Effective teachers teach all their students effectively. The New Zealand Curriculum (page 34) explains that although no formula guarantees learning for every student in every context, there is strong evidence of the kinds of teaching approaches that consistently improve student learning. The evidence shows that students learn best when teachers establish strong relationships with students and their whānau and when they:
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WHAT IT IS
Creating a supportive learning environment is crucial for fostering academic growth and personal development. In order to establish such an environment, it is important to prioritise classbuilding and teambuilding so all students feel safe to share and be themselves. Cultivating a positive classroom atmosphere promotes a sense of belonging and encourages students to take risks and engage actively in the learning process. Ultimately, when students feel safe, supported, and valued, they are more likely to thrive and reach their full potential.
ASK YOURSELF
How do you actively foster and demonstrate positive relationships within the learning environment that are caring, inclusive, non-discriminatory, and cohesive?
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS THIS
Kagan fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment. By actively engaging students in cooperative tasks, Kagan promotes positive relationships, builds trust, and encourages students to support and learn from one another. The use of Classbuilding structures, designed to have students interacting with everyone in the class, ensure active participation where students work with ALL classmates, giving everyone an opportunity to contribute and feel valued. Through cooperative learning experiences, Kagan promotes social and emotional growth, enhancing empathy, communication skills, and teamwork. Students learn to rely on each other's strengths, while building their own, and work through challenges together, creating a positive environment where everyone feels safe and included, and motivated to succeed.
Kagan Cooperative Learning provides teachers with a proven process to cultivate an inclusive culture of support and respect, empowering students to reach their full potential.
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WHAT IT IS
The NZC (New Zealand Curriculum) strongly encourages reflective thought and action among its learners. It recognises the importance of reflection as a powerful tool for deepening understanding, fostering critical thinking, and promoting personal growth. The curriculum acknowledges that reflection allows students to make meaningful connections between their experiences, knowledge, and values. By engaging in reflective practices, students are empowered to actively question, evaluate, and refine their own thinking and actions.
ASK YOURSELF
What tasks and opportunities have you designed that encourage all students to reflect on their learning individually and with their peers?
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning actively fosters reflective thought and action among students by engaging them in structured and purposeful interactions which encourage critical reflection on their own thinking and actions.
Through the use of Kagan Structures students are constantly challenged to articulate their thoughts, listen actively to their peers' perspectives, and adjust their own understanding based on the shared insights. which also develops their metacognitive skills, enabling them to become more aware of their learning strategies and make meaningful adjustments.
Ultimately, Kagan Cooperative Learning empowers students to actively engage in reflective thought and action, becoming more self-directed and accountable learners.
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WHAT IT IS
Students learn as they socially engage in shared activities which empowers them to become part of the classroom learning community, take ownership of their education, giving them the ability to make choices, set goals, and drive their own learning process. By allowing students to have a say in what and how they learn, they become more engaged and motivated learners. When students are given agency, they become active participants in the learning experience it boosts their understanding, retention, and application of knowledge. Ultimately, student agency not only enhances academic achievement but also nurtures critical thinking skills, creativity, and autonomy.
ASK YOURSELF
How do you challenge your students to use and apply what they discover in new contexts and new innovative ways?
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning provides an innovative approach to education that seamlessly integrates new learning, goal-setting, and the development of a strong learning community. By utilising cooperative structures, students engage in meaningful interactions with their peers, fostering a supportive environment where they can learn from one another. As students work together towards common goals, they are encouraged to set personal targets, increasing their sense of ownership and motivation.
This cooperative approach creates a dynamic learning community where students feel valued, respected, and connected to one another, and are able to take greater ownership of their learning.
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WHAT IT IS
Shared learning creates an inclusive and collaborative environment where students can actively engage with their peers and collectively expand their knowledge and skills, and give feedback and feedforward as appropriate. Through shared learning, students gain a broader perspective on various subjects and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This promotes a sense of belonging and empowers students to contribute their unique perspectives, fostering a supportive and enriching academic community.
ASK YOURSELF
How does your learning community foster and demonstrate learning conversations and partnerships where all contributions are valued, and where all members of the classroom are encouraged to give constructive feedback on learning?
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning easily stands out as the best method for facilitating shared learning in classrooms. Unlike traditional instructional approaches, Kagan's cooperative learning structures actively engage students in collaborating, communicating, and problem-solving together. By organising students into small teams for activities, Kagan fosters an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes equal participation and shared responsibility for learning. Kagan Structures provide ample opportunities for ALL students to interact with their peers, exchange ideas, and collectively construct knowledge.
As a result, Kagan Cooperative Learning not only enhances academic achievement through higher levels of engagement, but also develops essential social and interpersonal skills, making it the obvious choice for facilitating shared learning in today's diverse classrooms.
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WHAT IT IS
Connecting to prior learning and experiences is of utmost importance for students as it serves as the foundation for new knowledge and understanding. When students can link new concepts to what they already know, they are more likely to engage in the learning process and make meaningful connections. Furthermore, connecting to prior experiences enables students to see the relevance and applicability of what they are learning, fostering a sense of personal connection and motivation.
ASK YOURSELF
What are some deliberate strategies you use to build on what students know and have experienced, as well as support students to make connections across learning areas, home experiences, and the wider world?
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan structures are highly effective in helping students integrate new learning with what they already know.
By creating a safe learning environment, where students are given the opportunity to tap into their prior knowledge, insights, and experiences and share them with their peers, it sets the stage for a deeper understanding of new concepts. Kagan structures enable students to make sense of and establish connections between what they already know and the new information they are acquiring. Teachers can select from a wide range of sharing options such as in pairs, teams or with others in the classroom. Every student comes to the classroom with a unique set of experiences and perspectives, and encouraging them to share their insights with their peers enriches the overall learning environment. Through these exchanges, students can build on each other's knowledge, collaborate, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Kagan helps students recognise patterns, draw conclusions, and engage in critical thinking. paving the way for deeper understanding and lifelong application of knowledge.
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WHAT IT IS
Revisiting new learning multiple times and across different contexts is an essential strategy for effective knowledge retention and application. Each time we revisit a concept or skill, we not only reinforce our understanding but also deepen our grasp of the subject matter. By exposing ourselves to the same information in various contexts, we can see how it connects to different situations and expand our ability to apply it creatively. Moreover, revisiting new learning across divergent contexts enhances transferability, enabling us to adapt our knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios.
ASK YOURSELF
How do you plan for and implement multiple opportunities for all students to engage with, practise, and transfer new learning, as well as encourage them to take ownership of and manage their own learning?
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning is undoubtedly the best way for teachers to provide sufficient opportunities for students to learn across different contexts and in a number of ways. The unique structure of Kagan encourages active participation, collaboration, and engagement among students, fostering a dynamic learning environment. By utilising a wide range of cooperative learning structures, teachers can cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, and revisit the same content in many different ways, such as discussing or writing in pairs, in a team, or with their classmates, and solo.
Kagan Cooperative Learning allows teachers to revisit the same or similar content multiple times, using different Kagan structures, and across a range of contexts.
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WHAT IT IS
Teaching as inquiry means teachers are continuously engaged in actively exploring and assessing the impact of their teaching and learning programme. Committed to providing the highest quality education, they diligently inquire into the effectiveness of their pedagogical practices and curriculum design. By understanding the impact of their teaching on student learning outcomes, they are able to tailor their instructional approaches and optimise student engagement.
ASK YOURSELF
How do you use what you observe in daily teaching and learning to ensure that all students’ learning needs are planned for and met, using proven pedagogical approaches and interventions?
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Cooperative learning has long been recognised as an empirically proven approach to education, fostering positive academic outcomes and social development among students. As teachers inquire into the effectiveness of their instructional practices, it’s important that they understand the difference between cooperative learning and group work, because one works and one doesn’t. Group work allows students to opt out or hide, whereas Kagan doesn’t. Most teachers believe that group work and cooperative learning are the same thing - they aren’t.
But when it comes to meeting the New Zealand Curriculum's requirement of effective pedagogy, Kagan Cooperative Learning is the only approach that ensures equity and provides teachers with the ability to measure the amount of engagement at any one time.
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WHAT IT IS
E-learning has proven to be a powerful tool that supports effective teaching pedagogies, Through online platforms and digital resources, students can connect with their peers, teachers, and experts from all around the world, fostering a global perspective and creating meaningful connections. The collaborative nature of e-learning allows for shared learning experiences, where students can engage in group projects, discussions, and peer-to-peer feedback, enhancing their understanding and promoting deeper learning. Furthermore, e-learning provides ample opportunities to learn by offering a diverse range of resources, including multimedia presentations, interactive activities, and virtual simulations, catering to individual students' needs and interests.
ASK YOURSELF
How do you deliver a multi-modal approach to e-learning with rich dialogue and complex thinking skills are taught and applied?
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures are highly beneficial in supporting e-learning environments through creating a safe, positive and supportive class culture. By encouraging students to engage in meaningful discussions with their peers, Kagan structures promote active learning and allow for the exchange of ideas and opinions, even in virtual settings. By working together, students in pairs or teams can benefit from shared learning experiences, where they discuss, plan, collaborate, analyse, evaluate, problem-solve, and collectively construct knowledge. These structures also provide multiple opportunities to learn and apply a range of thinking skills, as students take turns in leading discussions, explaining concepts to their peers, and reinforcing their understanding.
Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures develop and enhance thinking skills and create a sense of collaboration, engagement, and shared responsibility within the e-learning environment, leading to enhanced learning outcomes for all participants.
VISION
Kagan's structured approach to cooperative learning ensures students have the skills to work together, building connections with their peers and strengthening their sense of belonging within the classroom community. By enabling teachers to implement effective cooperative learning strategies, Kagan helps cultivate the qualities of confident, connected, and actively involved learners as envisioned by the New Zealand Curriculum.
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WHAT IT IS
When students are confident, they have faith in their abilities and strive for personal growth and success. By fostering confidence, NZC empowers learners to take risks, express themselves creatively, and embrace challenges with a positive mindset. This value emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and one's capabilities, enabling students to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning is a powerful teaching strategy that fosters a sense of confidence among students. By engaging in structured group activities and collaborative tasks, students are given the opportunity to actively participate in their own learning process and contribute to the success of their team. Through this active involvement, students gain confidence in their abilities to communicate ideas, solve problems, and work effectively with others. This repeated exposure to active participation and successful collaboration ultimately boosts students' self-esteem and empowers them to believe in their own capabilities.
Kagan Cooperative Learning therefore plays a crucial role in building confidence in students, enabling them to thrive academically and socially.
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WHAT IT IS
The value of being connected lies at the heart of the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC). In an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial for individuals to develop the skills and understanding to actively engage and collaborate with others. By acknowledging and respecting the perspectives and experiences of others, students learn to value different cultures and build empathy. Through being connected, students are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive in an interconnected global society.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan helps students become connected both academically and socially. Through the use of structured activities and cooperative tasks, students are encouraged to work together, actively participate, and engage with one another. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of connection and belonging within the classroom, as students learn to rely on each other, appreciate diverse perspectives, and value the contributions of their peers. By promoting interaction and communication, Kagan cultivates empathy, respect, and a sense of community among learners.
These connections not only enhance the learning experience, but also lay the foundation for lifelong collaborative skills essential in the professional world.
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WHAT IT IS
Being actively involved encourages students to participate in a wide range of activities and take responsibility for their own learning. By being actively involved, students are empowered to engage with their learning, collaborate with others, and make meaningful connections to the world around them. They develop essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It ensures that students become active citizens who contribute positively to their communities and strive for personal excellence.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning presents a dynamic approach that fosters active student involvement in the learning process. Through the use of various structures, such as Timed-Pair-Share and Numbered-Heads-Together, students are encouraged to interact, collaborate, and take responsibility for their own learning. By actively engaging with their peers, students become active participants in discussions, problem-solving tasks, and group projects. This cooperative learning model not only enhances their understanding of the subject matter but also nurtures crucial skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.
They develop a sense of ownership and motivation, ultimately leading to deeper levels of knowledge acquisition and academic success.
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WHAT IT IS
One of the fundamental values emphasized in the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) is the concept of being lifelong learners. This value recognizes the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills beyond the traditional school years and highlights the need for continuous personal development. Lifelong learners are individuals who possess a curiosity for learning, actively seek new information, and engage in ongoing education throughout their lives.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
By fostering a collaborative and inclusive classroom environment, Kagan equips students with the necessary skills and attitudes to become active participants in their own learning journey. Through structured interactions, such as cooperative teams and paired activities, students learn to effectively communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve. Kagan actively promotes student engagement and motivation, encouraging learners to take ownership of their education and develop a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Consequently, Kagan Cooperative Learning instils a lifelong curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for growth in students, enabling them to thrive as lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.
VALUES
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WHAT IT IS
The pursuit of excellence encourages students to strive for the highest standards across all areas of their learning journey. It fosters a mindset of continuous improvement and empowers students to challenge themselves, take risks, and think critically. Through a commitment to excellence, the NZC aims to prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world and contribute positively to the global community.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning is a powerful instructional method that lays the foundation for fostering excellence among students. By promoting positive interdependence, individual accountability, equal participation, and simultaneous interaction, Kagan structures create an environment that encourages active engagement and collaboration, and cultivates a growth mindset and a genuine appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Kagan's approach truly empowers students to excel academically, while simultaneously fostering their overall personal growth, resilience, and social skill development.
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WHAT IT IS
The value of diversity is deeply embedded in the fabric of New Zealand culture (NZC). With a rich history of immigration and a commitment to inclusivity, diversity is celebrated and cherished across the country. Embracing diversity in all its forms allows us to tap into a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and innovation, fostering a stronger and more dynamic society.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan helps students become connected both academically and socially. Through the use of structured activities and cooperative tasks, students are encouraged to work together, actively participate, and engage with one another. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of connection and belonging within the classroom, as students learn to rely on each other, appreciate diverse perspectives, and value the contributions of their peers. By promoting interaction and communication, Kagan cultivates empathy, respect, and a sense of community among learners.
These connections not only enhance the learning experience, but also lay the foundation for lifelong collaborative skills essential in the professional world.
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WHAT IT IS
Equity embodies the belief in fairness, equality, and social justice for all individuals within society. The notion of equity encompasses the recognition and acknowledgment that people have different needs, circumstances, and backgrounds, and should therefore be granted opportunities and resources equitably to ensure that every individual is afforded a fair chance to succeed, and that no one is left behind.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
By structuring learning experiences in a cooperative and inclusive manner, Kagan creates an environment where every student has an opportunity to actively participate and contribute their unique perspectives. Kagan Cooperative Learning also utilises equitable grouping strategies that ensure students of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives work together. This approach not only promotes academic achievement but also helps build empathy, respect, and appreciation for individual differences among students.
By prioritising equity, Kagan creates a classroom culture where all students can thrive and succeed.
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WHAT IT IS
Community and Participation is vital for fostering a sense of belonging and involvement. It promotes the inclusion of diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering a stronger collective identity. By embracing community and participation, individuals develop vital social skills, empathy, and respect for others, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and harmonious society.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning fosters the development of communities and active participation within a classroom setting. Through activities such as Timed-Pair-Share, Round Robin, and Rally Coach, students are encouraged to contribute their ideas and actively engage in discussions, resulting in increased participation among all learners. Moreover, Kagan emphasises the importance of positive interdependence, where students rely on one another to succeed, leading to the formation of a supportive and inclusive community.
Overall, Kagan cultivates a sense of belonging and active participation among students, creating a thriving classroom community.
THE KEY COMPETENCIES
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WHAT IT IS
Thinking is all about using creative and critical thinking skills to make sense of information, to reflect on ideas, and to make decisions. It encourages students to explore different perspectives, ask questions, and challenge their own thinking.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning promotes active engagement, collaboration, and communication in the classroom. By combining the principles of Kagan Cooperative Learning with the Thinking key competency, students are not only encouraged to think critically and creatively, but also to actively collaborate with their peers, share ideas, coach and support each other, and problem-solve together. Dr Spencer Kagan has identified 15 key ways to think. Utilising Kagan Structures can provide teachers with a proven platform to really dig into thinking skills, what they are, and which one to use and when.
Importantly, Kagan also creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where students can safely develop their thinking skills while building positive relationships with their classmates.
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WHAT IT IS
Using language symbols and texts is an essential skill for effective communication and understanding in today's world. Through the use of texts, which include written, spoken, and visual mediums, we are able to express our thoughts, share information, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. Language symbols and texts enable us to preserve and transmit knowledge across generations, allowing for the exchange of ideas and the development of culture.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning, as a teaching approach, plays a significant role in developing this competency. Through Kagan structures, all students are supported to safely engage in meaningful discussions, expressing their ideas and opinions orally, in written form and through using graphics and manipulatives. Kagan structures such as Round Table and Sage-N-Scribe provide students with practical opportunities to meaningly practice and apply their writing skills.
Kagan Cooperative Learning actively provides teachers with proven and simple strategies to engage students in multiple opportunities to communicate their ideas in various forms and modes.
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WHAT IT IS
The key competency of 'managing self' refers to the ability of an individual to regulate their emotions, behaviours, and actions in order to achieve personal goals and successfully navigate various social contexts. They learn when to lead and when to follow, and when and how to act independently.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning provides a powerful platform for developing this competency in students. Through collaborative activities and the establishment of a supportive learning environment, Kagan creates situations where self-management skills such as self-control, self-reflection, and self-motivation, are able to be learnt, practiced, and applied. By actively participating in group discussions, students also learn to manage their emotions and practice respectful communication.
The structured nature of Kagan activities expose student strengths and weaknesses in their self-management skills. They can then identify their next steps, set goals for themselves, monitor their progress, and make adjustments accordingly.
Kagan has the perfect structure at any one time for students to work with a partner , or their team, for all of the above. In a Kagan room, there is a support network outside of the teacher!
Powerful teaching, made simple.
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WHAT IT IS
The key competency 'relating to others' plays an integral role in fostering positive social interactions with a diverse range of people in a variety of contexts.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning offers a powerful platform for teachers to develop relationship skills with their students. Through its systematic and structured classbuilding, teambuilding and partner activities, Kagan ensures students actively engage with their peers, all the while learning to listen, share, appreciate and respect them.
By working together in small, diverse learning teams, students also learn valuable skills such as coaching and leading, as well as developing crucial values such as empathy, kindness, patience, and consideration.
In this cooperative environment, students learn to relate to others with kindness and understanding, thereby enhancing their ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and create a harmonious classroom community.
Kagan Cooperative Learning truly provides a holistic approach that nurtures the 'relating to others' competency, empowering students to develop strong interpersonal skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
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WHAT IT IS
Participating and contributing emphasises the importance of actively engaging and contributing to group activities and discussions. Students develop the confidence to participate within new contexts and develop the skills to include anyone.
HOW KAGAN DELIVERS
Kagan Cooperative Learning, renowned for its collaborative approach, is an ideal process for developing this competency. Through its structured and purposeful approach, Kagan not only ensures individual participation but provides the necessary support to do so. All learners are expected to be actively involved, and Kagan provides teachers with options for differentiation as required.
Through creating a safe, learning focussed class, using classbuilding and teambuilding, and by promoting positive interactions, equal participation, and shared responsibilities, Kagan creates a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that empowers every learner to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. This approach not only enhances academic achievement but also cultivates essential social and communication skills.
Kagan equips teachers with practical tools to provide students with the necessary skills to actively participate and contribute effectively in a wide range of contexts.