What is usually the focus of cooperative learning strategies in classrooms?

The focus of cooperative learning strategies is on collaboration among students to achieve a common goal. This approach emphasizes teamwork and interaction, encouraging students to work together in small groups to explore concepts, solve problems, and support each other's learning. By engaging in cooperative learning, students develop social skills, enhance their understanding of the material through discussion and peer support, and take collective responsibility for their learning outcomes. This method recognizes that learning is often more effective and enriching when students can share ideas and perspectives, fostering a sense of community within the classroom.

In contrast, individual assessments, independent textbook study, and teacher-centered methods do not align with the foundational principles of cooperative learning, as they focus more on working alone or on a singular perspective rather than promoting collaboration and shared learning experiences.