Final answer:
A primary benefit of cooperative learning activities is that they encourage students to consider different viewpoints and enable peer-to-peer learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
One primary benefit of using cooperative learning activities in the classroom is that students are encouraged to consider group members' viewpoints. This collaborative approach enhances critical thinking and allows for peer-to-peer learning, which is an effective learning strategy. Collaborative exercises help students understand course concepts by working together and learning from each other's strengths and weaknesses. However, it is crucial that the answers, sketches, and other work products are ultimately the individual student's own work to prevent issues of free-riding and to ensure a fair assessment of each student's understanding.