What is the educational approach in which heterogeneously grouped students work together to accomplish a shared task?

The educational approach where heterogeneously grouped students collaborate to achieve a common goal is known as cooperative learning. In this method, students work in small groups, which typically consist of diverse members in terms of abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives. The central focus of cooperative learning is to promote teamwork and interpersonal skills, as students must communicate and interact effectively to complete their tasks successfully.

In cooperative learning environments, each member of the group has specific roles and responsibilities that contribute to the overall objective, fostering a sense of accountability and shared purpose among participants. This method encourages students to support and assist one another, enhancing their understanding of the subject matter while also developing social and communication skills.

While other approaches, such as team-based learning and collaborative learning, share similarities with cooperative learning, they differ in their structures and goals. For instance, team-based learning often involves pre-assigned teams and individual accountability, whereas collaborative learning may emphasize a more informal interaction among students in achieving a goal. In contrast, cooperative learning's distinct focus is on working together within a structured group dynamic with specific learning outcomes in mind.