What type of learning strategy fosters teamwork and increases student engagement?

Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy that promotes teamwork and significantly enhances student engagement. This approach is characterized by students working in small groups to accomplish shared learning goals. Each member of the group has a specific role and has accountability to both their peers and their own learning. By engaging in this collaborative process, students develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, which are vital for their overall development.

In cooperative learning environments, students benefit from diverse perspectives as they discuss concepts and solve problems together, making the learning experience more dynamic and interactive. This method also encourages students to support one another, leading to a deeper understanding of the material and fostering a sense of community within the classroom.

In contrast, independent study focuses on individual learning, which may not encourage collaboration or interaction among students. Lecture-based instruction often results in passive learning where students may not be engaged or actively participating in the learning process. Peer tutoring, while beneficial, tends to be more focused on one-on-one interactions rather than the broader teamwork dynamic seen in cooperative learning. Therefore, cooperative learning stands out as the most effective strategy for fostering teamwork and increasing student engagement.