This paper provides an exploration of cooperative learning(CL) in a Mediterranean European cultural setting, taking classroom teaching in the University of Málaga(UMA) as an example. An important part of the paper is on the definitions of CL, second language acquisition(SLA) and relative literature by scholars or educators home and abroad, such as historical and contemporary views of CL, its development and application in a variety of classrooms, esp. in multi-lingual settings, in UMA. It also puts much emphasis on sociocultural aspects of CL. Besides, this paper compares the application of CL with that in SWUST,one public university in Southwest China. In views of current problems and awkward situations in the application of CL, the paper argues that the qualified teachers and quality monitoring systems are the two major decisive factors that affect the achievement of CL in Spanish institutions. This paper also analyzes the main characteristics of the classroom teaching in Mediterranean European Cultural Settings. Thus, the paper suggests that CL may be one of the most efficient approaches to improving the quality of education in UMA. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations and suggestions that Spanish institutions train more wellqualified teachers to meet the increasing demand of CL approach in multi-contextual or multi-lingual settings.
