Although cooperative learning is a well-researched framework with many reports on its effective implementation in education, successful cooperative learning practice remains elusive in the classroom. The literature suggests certain elements of cooperative learning are key, but few studies have addressed their importance with respect to the dynamics of the learning activity and differences in individual learners' attitudes. The objective of this study is to examine (1) whether learners' perception of cooperative learning changes throughout a project, and (2) how differently individual learners perceive their activities with reference to the five elements (i.e. positive interdependence; face-to-face promotive interaction; individual accountability; social skills; group processing), and thereby to explore measures for successful implementation of cooperative learning. Analyses of a questionnaire survey and weekly journal entries revealed that there were dynamic changes in learners' perception of cooperative learning in accordance with the shifts in phases of the project. The results also showed that there were significant differences in individual learners' perceptions and that their engagement in cooperative learning could be affected by certain factors that were not weighed by the five elements. The results of this study can provide hints for better pedagogical interventions for teachers introducing cooperative learning into the classroom.