Several studies on cooperative learning suggest that cooperative learning make students develop more higher level reasoning, more frequent generation of new ideas and solutions, and greater transfer of what is learned within one situation to another. Cooperative learning also promotes academic achievement, increases retention, and vastly improves student self-esteem and communication. Gifted students, however, often feel exploited when cooperative learning is used as a predominate method of instruction and groups are configured heterogeneously. In this article, the author examines the debate over heterogeneous versus homogeneous grouping. The author also explains the five essential elements of cooperative learning to help pinpoint true cooperative learning materials. These elements include: (1) Positive interdependence; (2) Face-to-face interaction; (3) Individual and group accountability; (4) Interpersonal skills; and (5) Group processing. Lastly, the author provides strategies for using cooperative learning in the classroom.