Cooperation : A process in which individuals or groups work together toward a shared objective. It relies on trust, interdependence, and the willingness to share resources, ideas, and responsibilities.
Collaboration : Joint work between several actors who combine their skills to produce a shared outcome. It requires structured coordination and continuous communication.
Coordination : The organization of actions among different actors to ensure coherence, fluidity, and efficiency. It helps prevent duplication, role conflicts, and information loss.
Collective intelligence : A group’s ability to generate ideas, solutions, or decisions that surpass those of individuals working alone. It emerges from diversity, listening, and shared knowledge.
Co‑construction : The collective development of a project, decision, or system. It ensures that each participant contributes meaningfully and that the final result reflects multiple perspectives. 6
Co‑decision : A process in which decisions are made jointly according to explicit, shared rules. It strengthens engagement, transparency, and legitimacy.
Co‑responsibility : The equitable sharing of responsibilities among group members. Everyone contributes to collective success and assumes the consequences of their actions.
Co‑facilitation : The joint facilitation of an activity, meeting, or workshop by several facilitators. It enhances complementarity, fluidity, and the collective management of group dynamics.
Active participation : The genuine involvement of members in activities, decisions, and discussions. It goes beyond mere presence and requires voluntary, constructive contribution.
Interdependence : A reciprocal relationship in which each member’s actions influence others. It forms the foundation of cooperation and shared responsibility.
B. Shared Governance and Decision‑Making
Shared governance : An organizational model in which power, responsibilities, and decisions are distributed among members. It promotes autonomy, transparency, and participation.
Sociocracy : A governance method based on circles, consent, and distributed roles. It aims to combine operational efficiency with democratic participation.
Decision circle : A group mandated to make decisions within a defined domain. It operates with explicit rules and ensures representation of stakeholders.
Mandate : A responsibility entrusted to a person or group to accomplish a task or fulfill a role. It is time‑bound and defined by clear objectives.
Election without candidates : A selection process in which members freely propose individuals for a role, explaining their choices. It reduces rivalry and strengthens legitimacy.
Consent decision‑making : A method in which a proposal is adopted when no reasonable objection is raised. It enables progress without requiring full unanimity.
Consensus : A general agreement reached after discussion, where everyone accepts the proposed solution. It requires time, listening, and a willingness to converge.
Accountability : The obligation to report on actions, decisions, and results. It reinforces transparency and trust within the collective.
Transparency : Clear and accessible communication of information, decisions, and processes. It enables understanding, participation, and democratic oversight.
Collective regulation : A process through which a group adjusts its practices, rules, and relationships to maintain harmonious functioning. It relies on dialogue and shared responsibility.
C. Cooperative Pedagogy and Educational Dynamics
Cooperative pedagogy : An educational approach based on mutual support, participation, and collective knowledge‑building. It values autonomy, solidarity, and social skills.
Cooperative council : A regular group meeting where members discuss, regulate, and decide together. It develops responsibility, listening, and democratic management.
Structured debate : A method that organizes exchanges within a secure framework. It fosters critical thinking, respectful expression, and informed decision‑making.
Socio‑cognitive conflict : A constructive disagreement that stimulates reflection and learning. It helps individuals refine their understanding through the confrontation of ideas.
Metacognition : The ability to reflect on one’s own thinking processes. It supports better learning strategies and self‑regulation.
Right to make mistakes : A principle that views mistakes as a normal part of learning. It encourages experimentation, risk‑taking, and confidence.
Caring rigor : An educational posture combining attention to individuals with high expectations. It creates a safe environment while promoting progress.
Inclusion : A process ensuring the participation of all, regardless of differences. It relies on adaptation, equity, and the value of diversity.
Peer‑to‑peer learning : A mode of learning or working in which members support each other. It strengthens solidarity, trust, and knowledge sharing.
Learning community : A group of people who learn together, share experiences, and develop common practices. It is based on cooperation and continuous improvement.
D. Cooperative Methods and Tools
Facilitation : A set of practices that support dialogue, participation, and decision‑making. The facilitator creates conditions for effective and inclusive interaction.
Mediation : A process that helps people in conflict find a mutually acceptable solution. It relies on neutrality, listening, and constructive negotiation.
Professional co‑development : A peer‑learning method based on analyzing real situations. It improves professional practices through collective intelligence.
Practice analysis : A structured process in which professionals examine their actions to draw lessons. It encourages reflection, understanding, and continuous improvement.
World Café : A participatory method based on small‑group conversations around key questions. It stimulates creativity, diversity of viewpoints, and co‑construction.
Open Space Technology : A self‑organizing process where participants define the topics to be addressed. It fosters engagement, freedom, and collective responsibility.
Talking circle : A structured space where each person can speak within a safe framework. It promotes listening, trust, and relational regulation.
Constructive feedback : A precise, respectful, and improvement‑oriented response. It supports learning, cooperation, and healthy relationships.
Cooperative icebreakers : Short activities designed to build connection, ease tension, and support group engagement. They strengthen group dynamics.
Graphic facilitation : The use of drawing to represent ideas, processes, and decisions. It helps clarify, memorize, and stimulate creativity.
E. Digital Cooperation and Communication
Collaborative work : A work organization supported by digital tools that facilitate collective production. It relies on information sharing, coordination, and co‑creation.
Cooperative platforms : Digital spaces that enable working, deciding, or learning together. They support participation, transparency, and knowledge circulation.
Collective writing : The production of a text by several contributors following shared rules. It enhances coherence, diversity of input, and shared ownership.
Digital accessibility : Practices that ensure content can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. It guarantees equity and inclusion.
Digital governance : The rules, roles, and processes that structure the use of digital tools within a group. It ensures coherence, security, and participation.
Benevolent moderation : The management of online exchanges with respect, listening, and conflict prevention. It contributes to a constructive and safe environment.
Communities of practice : Groups of people who share expertise and learn together. They develop common knowledge, tools, and solutions.
Responsible communication : A communication approach based on ethics, transparency, and respect for audiences. It aims to inform without manipulation and strengthen trust.
The Cooperative World Magazine
Publications and training on cooperative methods