In this article, Dr Kagan provides some of the research and rationale for Kagan Structures. He firmly believes that structures are not just one more trick for boosting achievement and not just one more exciting passing fad among educators. They are a revolutionary approach to instruction which empowers any teacher to be successful at the awesome task of educating for democracy in the 21st century

In the Kagan classroom, we use structures that actively engage every student. We require everyone play a part in the learning. In many classrooms, students can choose not to participate. They simply don't raise their hands. One student in a whole class of students is easily overlooked. The voluntary participation model allows students to slip through the cracks. In the Kagan classroom, non-participation is not an option. We don't tell our students that we want everyone to be actively engaged. We structure for active engagement.

The data is in. When Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures are implemented, the incidents of disruptive behaviors and discipline referrals decreases. There are a number of possible explanations. Many explanations flow directly from understanding Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures. The structures are situations that implement PIES, in turn creating more engagement, accountability, and cooperation. Engaged students who are held accountable are less likely to get off task. Further, cooperation leads to acquisition of social skills and improved social relations. Students see themselves as a community of learners all on the same side. Given this feeling of mutual support, students feel more secure and like class more. They are less inclined to disrupt a class that is going their way.