The study presented here sought to determine how student teachers' personal characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, experience and skills for using collaborative learning influence their willingness to use this demanding pedagogy in their classes. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis model based on data from questionnaires emphasized the direct effect of experience on attitudes and skills, but showed no such effect on knowledge. There was no difference in research variables based on gender, age and degree in respondents' willingness to integrate collaborative learning. One major conclusion of the study is that teacher education programs should include a study of the theoretical and strategic aspects of collaborative learning, as well as active experience with this pedagogy.