What does cooperative learning emphasize in group settings?

Cooperative learning emphasizes mutual accountability and support within group settings. This approach encourages students to work collaboratively, where the success of one member is tied to the success of others. In cooperative learning, students are not only responsible for their own learning but also for helping their peers to understand the material, fostering an environment of teamwork and shared responsibility. This mutual support encourages a deeper understanding of the content, as students explain concepts to one another and learn from diverse perspectives.

This approach contrasts with competition among peers, which can foster adversarial relationships and diminish collaboration. It also differs from strict individual accountability, which can lead to isolated learning experiences and hinder the development of social skills. Lastly, the focus on uniformity in group composition does not align with the principles of cooperative learning, which values diverse groups to enhance learning outcomes through varied perspectives and skills.