What instructional strategy involves students working together in small groups to achieve educational goals?

Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy that involves students working together in small groups to achieve educational goals. This approach is grounded in the idea that collaboration among peers can enhance learning outcomes, as it allows students to share knowledge, build upon each other's ideas, and develop essential social skills. Through cooperative learning, students engage in activities where they must communicate, negotiate, and support one another, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

In cooperative learning environments, each student's participation is crucial to the group's success, promoting a sense of accountability and encouraging active involvement in the learning process. This method helps students to take ownership of their learning while also developing important skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution, which are essential not only in educational settings but also in future professional environments. By utilizing cooperative learning, educators can create a dynamic and interactive classroom atmosphere conducive to higher engagement and retention of information.