Which of the following is a defining characteristic of teamwork in a classroom environment?

A defining characteristic of teamwork in a classroom environment is collaboration among students. This emphasizes the importance of students working together to achieve common goals, share knowledge, and support each other's learning processes. Collaboration fosters communication, problem-solving, and a sense of community within the classroom, which are essential components of effective teamwork.

In contrast, competition between students might encourage individual achievement but can hinder the collaborative spirit that teamwork relies on. Independence of students focuses on solitary learning, which contradicts the essence of teamwork that thrives on shared efforts. Emphasizing individual work further detracts from the cooperative dynamics necessary to cultivate a successful teamwork environment. Therefore, collaboration is central to the concept of teamwork, making it the defining characteristic in a classroom setting.