What is one significant effect of using small-group cooperative activities in instruction?

The use of small-group cooperative activities in instruction is particularly effective for promoting the development of higher-order thinking skills. This is because such activities encourage students to engage in discussions, problem-solving, and collaborative analysis, which require them to apply, evaluate, and create knowledge rather than simply recall facts.

When students work together in small groups, they are often tasked with exploring complex ideas and sharing diverse perspectives. This interaction fosters critical thinking as they must articulate their thoughts, defend their viewpoints, and challenge one another’s ideas. The collaborative nature of these activities also allows students to learn from their peers, which can deepen their understanding and encourage a holistic approach to learning.

While teamwork skills for the workplace and reduced workloads for teachers may be additional benefits of small-group activities, the primary focus in this context is on enhancing the cognitive skills necessary for deeper understanding and application of knowledge, which directly relates to higher-order thinking. Similarly, working independently is not usually a characteristic of cooperative activities, as these are designed to be interactive and collaborative by nature.