What defines cooperative learning in an educational context?

Cooperative learning is defined by students working in small groups to achieve common goals. This approach emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, allowing students to share knowledge, help each other, and develop interpersonal skills. Through cooperative learning, students participate in group tasks, which not only facilitate the completion of assignments but also enhance social interactions and foster a sense of community within the classroom.

This method contrasts sharply with working independently, where the focus is solely on individual efforts without the benefit of interaction or support from peers. It also differs from a traditional lecture format, where the teacher is the primary source of information and students have a more passive role. Lastly, cooperative learning is not about competition; it instead revolves around the idea that success is achieved through cooperation and shared learning experiences rather than through competing for grades. Therefore, the essence of cooperative learning lies in collaborative efforts directed towards shared objectives, making it a distinctive and effective pedagogical approach.