Which of the following is NOT a benefit of cooperative learning?

Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy that involves students working together to achieve a common goal, and it is associated with numerous benefits. Among these benefits are increased confidence, improved social skills, and enhanced academic performance, as students often feel more supported and motivated when learning in groups.

Greater dependency on peers, however, is not considered a benefit of cooperative learning. While it is true that students work collaboratively and may rely on one another for knowledge and skills, an essential aspect of cooperative learning is fostering individual accountability alongside teamwork. The objective is to develop independent learners who can contribute to group success without becoming overly dependent on others. Therefore, the correct response highlights an understanding that dependence without the balance of individual responsibility is not a desired outcome of cooperative learning practices.