Cooperative learning; informatics; computer science; education

The article deals with the possibilities of using cooperative learning in computer science education. Cooperative learning is one of the communicative approaches, which uses work in small groups with an emphasis on positive interdependence and responsibility of the group and the individual, joint leadership and feedback in the group. In cooperative situations, higher productivity is usually recorded than when people work independently. The ability to cooperate is considered a key competence even in practical life. For these reasons, cooperative learning is a suitable modern pedagogical approach, but it is less used in schools than would be appropriate. Often frontal teaching or group teaching still prevails. The article describes the results and experience of case studies that were carried out in computer science education at secondary schools. Pupils in small groups carried out activities in the class where they had to work together to solve problems. Activities were focused on document creation, use of cloud services, information discovery, paired programming. The results show that with the right use of cooperative approaches, pupils are usually more motivated, more focused on solving tasks, and work results tend to be better than individuals.