Mainstreaming and Cooperative Learning Strategies

Abstract
There are three ways in which student-student interaction may be organized for mainstreaming. Of the three, cooperation is the only instructional strategy congruent with the goals of mainstreaming. The essential elements of cooperation learning and the specific actions teachers need to take to implement it are presented in this article. When cooperative learning is implemented effectively, positive relationships between handicapped and nonhandicapped students result. Far more positive interaction between handicapped and nonhandicapped students within instructional situations and during free-time, as well as increased friendships, result from cooperative learning experiences.