【Abstract】Cooperative learning is a commonly used method in language teaching This paper aims at introducing cooperative learning theory to the second language classroom.
　　【Key words】cooperative learning； second language classroom
　　“Cooperative learning refers to teaching methods in which students work together in small groups to help each other learn academic content.” （Robert E. Slavin， 2014） It is an instructional strategy in which small groups of students work for a mutual goal on a common task. Students take their own responsibility in the group work， encourage and help each other， build up their social skills while achieving the language learning objectives. “Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning.”（Johnson， D.W.， Johnson， R.T.， and Smith K. A.， 2013）
　　There are three ways of cooperative learning.
　　1. Formal cooperative learning
　　Formal cooperative learning usually lasts for one class period to several weeks， to achieve shared learning goals and complete jointly specific tasks and assignments. （Johnson， Johnson，