This handbook defines and describes the benefits of both collaborative approaches and cooperative techniques. An introduction uses watercolor marbling as a metaphor for collaborative approaches and cooperative activities. Section I provides research results regarding problems of adult literacy programs, skills employers want, and Bloom's taxonomy. Section II defines collaborative approaches to adult learning. Section III defines cooperative learning, highlights the five basic elements that need to be structured into a cooperative learning activity, describes structures for cooperative learning, lists aids to cooperative learning, offers troubleshooting suggestions, and provides personal and group evaluation forms. Section IV contains activities that have been designed, implemented, and evaluated by the Parma (Ohio) Adult and Continuing Education staff. The section on activities contains English-as-a-Second-Language, adult basic education, or General Educational Development activities. Each activity has the following elements: level, type of lesson, objective(s), materials, procedure(s), and extensions or variations. Any necessary materials or handouts are provided. Section V is a 33-item annotated bibliography. An appendix contains instructions for watercolor marbling. (YLB)