TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

What is a significant advantage of cooperative learning in reading activities?

1. It isolates students from peer influence

2. It enables shared responsibility in understanding and learning

3. It limits discussions to book summaries only

4. It promotes competition among students

The correct answer is: It enables shared responsibility in understanding and learning

The significant advantage of cooperative learning in reading activities lies in its ability to enable shared responsibility in understanding and learning. In cooperative learning environments, students work together in small groups to explore texts, discuss ideas, and clarify their understanding. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of accountability among group members, encouraging each student to contribute to the learning process and support their peers. By engaging in discussions and exchanging insights, students are more likely to deepen their comprehension and develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, this shared responsibility helps to build social skills and encourages a sense of community in the classroom, making it a beneficial pedagogical strategy in reading instruction. The interactions among peers also allow learners to see different perspectives and strategies for approaching texts, which can enhance their overall reading abilities. In contrast to other options, which offer limited benefits or misrepresent the goals of cooperative learning, the focus on collaboration and mutual support is what makes this strategy particularly effective in fostering literacy development.