National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

What is a primary goal of using collaborative learning in the classroom?

1. To focus solely on individual performance

2. To promote social interaction and communication skills

3. To ensure adherence to a standardized curriculum

4. To limit student interaction with peers

The correct answer is: To promote social interaction and communication skills

The primary goal of using collaborative learning in the classroom is to promote social interaction and communication skills. This approach allows students to work together in small groups or teams, engaging in discussions, sharing ideas, and solving problems collectively. By interacting with their peers, students develop essential skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and conflict resolution, which are crucial not only for academic success but also for their future professional and personal lives. Through collaborative learning, students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, negotiate roles within the group, and build interpersonal relationships. These experiences enhance their understanding of the content being taught, as they often benefit from the insights of their peers and can explain concepts to each other in ways that resonate. In contrast, a focus solely on individual performance would limit the rich interaction and mutual learning that occur in a collaborative setting. Ensuring adherence to a standardized curriculum may restrict the flexibility needed to engage students in meaningful communication. Meanwhile, limiting student interaction with peers undermines the key benefits of collaborative learning and hinders the development of social skills.