Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Exam

What is the key feature of cooperative learning?

1. Learning in isolation

2. Working individually

3. Using small groups

4. Teacher-led instruction

The correct answer is: Using small groups

Cooperative learning is characterized primarily by the use of small groups where students collaborate to achieve common academic goals. This approach encourages interaction among students, allowing them to share ideas, support each other in problem-solving, and build interpersonal skills. In cooperative learning, the structure facilitates a diverse set of perspectives, promoting higher levels of engagement and understanding through peer interaction. Students often take on different roles within these groups, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability to both their peers and the learning process. The emphasis on working in small groups distinguishes cooperative learning from other instructional methods, making it a powerful tool for enhancing student understanding and teamwork. The other options do not align with the principles of cooperative learning: learning in isolation and working individually focus on solitary efforts, which contradicts the collaborative nature of cooperative learning, while teacher-led instruction typically involves a more traditional, less interactive classroom dynamic.