NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What instructional method involves placing students in small groups to complete a task together?

1. Cooperative Learning

2. Discovery Learning

3. Guided Practice

4. Cognates

The correct answer is: Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning is an instructional method that emphasizes collaboration among students in small groups to achieve a common goal or complete a specific task. This approach is rooted in the belief that students can learn more effectively when they work together, as they can share diverse perspectives, support one another's learning, and develop social skills. Through cooperative learning, students take on different roles within their groups, fostering a sense of responsibility toward their peers and the learning process. In this method, tasks are designed to be interdependent, meaning that students rely on one another to succeed. This promotes accountability and encourages students to engage actively with the material and with each other, thus enhancing their overall learning experience. Additionally, research supports the effectiveness of cooperative learning in increasing student motivation, improving communication skills, and fostering a positive classroom environment. Other instructional methods, such as discovery learning, guided practice, and the use of cognates, do not specifically focus on group collaboration in the same way. Discovery learning emphasizes independent exploration and inquiry, guided practice involves a teacher supporting students in skill development, and cognates refer to words derived from a common origin that aid vocabulary learning, but none emphasize the collaborative group aspect like cooperative learning does.