How can cooperative learning benefit special education students according to educational research?

Cooperative learning has been shown to promote substantial achievement gains, particularly for special education students. This approach engages students in collaborative tasks that encourage them to work together towards common goals. By allowing students to support one another, cooperative learning fosters social interaction and the sharing of diverse perspectives, which can enhance understanding and retention of information.

Research indicates that cooperative learning can increase motivation and engagement, as students often feel more accountable to their peers. The peer teaching that occurs in these settings also reinforces knowledge, as students explain concepts to one another in a way that is relatable and understandable.

In contrast to the other options, focusing on individual activities does not leverage the benefits of social interaction that cooperative learning provides. A traditional approach tends to emphasize direct instruction rather than collaboration, which may not be as effective for diverse learners. Finally, relying on homework assignments can sometimes isolate students rather than promoting engagement through collaborative effort, which is central to the cooperative learning model.