What is a key feature of cooperative learning activities?

Cooperative learning activities are characterized by students working in small groups to share knowledge and resources. This approach fosters collaboration among students, encouraging them to leverage each other's strengths and perspectives to achieve a common goal or complete a task. Through this interaction, students not only enhance their understanding of the material but also develop essential social skills like communication and teamwork.

This method contrasts sharply with working independently, which isolates students and limits opportunities for collaborative learning. Competitive environments that focus on grades can discourage cooperation and inhibit the sharing of ideas, while direct instruction from the teacher is more traditional and does not emphasize student-to-student collaboration. The key essence of cooperative learning is the interaction and support among peers, making option C the correct choice.