What instructional strategy involves students working together to achieve a common goal?

Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy where students work together as a group to achieve a shared objective. This approach emphasizes collaboration and interdependence, encouraging students to communicate, share ideas, and support one another’s learning. In a cooperative learning environment, tasks are designed so that each member's contribution is essential for the overall success of the group. This not only enhances academic achievement but also builds essential social skills, as students learn to navigate roles, negotiate, and problem-solve collectively.

By contrast, independent learning focuses on individual study and self-directed tasks, while competitive learning involves students competing against one another for performance, which may not foster collaboration. Experiential learning emphasizes hands-on experiences and learning through reflection, which, while beneficial, does not inherently require group work. Cooperative learning stands out as a strategy specifically designed to bring students together to work towards a common goal, making it effective for promoting teamwork and enhancing educational outcomes.