The PIES principles are what set cooperative

learning apart from other approaches to

instruction; the PIES are the lynchpin to
successful cooperative learning (Kagan & Kagan,
2009, p. 12.1).

When all the PIES are in place, we can be sure

we will get academic and social gains (Kagan &
Kagan, 2009, p. 12.1).
P Positive Interdependence
I Individual Accountability
E Equal Interaction
S - Simultaneous Interaction
 Each principle has an important impact to
student learning.
If implemented correctly every student will feel
confident to succeed in a cooperative learning
classroom.
Positive Interdependence, Individual
Accountability, Equal Participation, and
Simultaneous Interaction help to unleash the full
potential of cooperative learning.
While applying PIES, you will see why some
activities you have done in the past successfully
produce cooperation and achievement whereas
others may have failed.
A gain for one is a benefit for the other
(Kagan & Kagan, 2009, p12.2).

When there is a positive correlation of

outcomes, students will almost always
work together.

When positive interdependence is in place

students will cooperate, help each other
and encourage each other.
Students work together as a team to
create and to learn, but ultimately every
individual student is responsible for his or
her own learning (Kagan & Kagan, 2009, p. 12.9).

Students will hold themselves accountable Alex said he

thinks.
if their knowledge and skills are made
public to someone else.

No help can be given to the individual,

they must display their knowledge
publicly, and are required to contribute.
 Students learn by interacting with the content and
with fellow students so participation must be
relatively equal (Kagan & Kagan, 2009, p. 12.14).

Structures must be the correct level of difficulty for

students to participate.

There are six approaches to equalize participation.

They are the following:
1. turn talking
2. time allocation
3. think and write time
4. rules
5. individual accountability
6. roles
Students learn better when a high percentage
of them are actively engaged at once.

Classroom time is saved because students are

engaged and more can be accomplished in a
faster time.

Simultaneous interaction can be responses or

a sharing of ideas in teams or pairs.
The purpose of PIES is to tell us where to look
and how to restructure when things are not
going well. If implemented correctly, PIES will
lead the way to a successful cooperative
learning environment.

PIES will get our students cooperating,

achieving, participating, and engaged. These
basic principles will create effective
cooperative learning in the classroom.
Kagan, S., & Kagan, M. (2009) Kagan
cooperative learning. San Clemente, CA:
Kagan Publishing.