Journal Name:
- Middle Eastern & African Journal of Educational Research
| Author Name | University of Author |
|---|---|
Abstract (2. Language):
Cooperative learning is a ‚set of methods in which students work together in small groups and help one another to achieve learning objectives‛ (Johnson & Johnson, 2009). It is well recognized as a pedagogical practice that promotes learning, higher level thinking, pro-social behavior, and a greater understanding of children with diverse learning, social and adjustment needs (Cohen 1994). The purpose of this Action research is to improve the achievement of students in general and to examine perception of students & teachers towards cooperative learning, identify major factors affecting the implementation of cooperative learning and to identify the possible strategies to improve cooperative learning in Haramaya University College of Education and Behavioral Sciences particularly department of Adult Education and Community Development. To conduct this study, descriptive Case study design and both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. The quantitative data are collected from 30 adult education and community development 2nd year students. Qualitative data was collected through observation and focus group discussion from all students. In the selection of the sample population, available sampling was employed. The data was analyzed by using percentage,mean and grand mean, t-test also used to check whether significance difference exists
between the achievement of students in different courses and pre-test and post-test of the
same course. The finding of the study revealed that students participation was low in
cooperative learning and the practice of Cooperative learning was challenged by different
problem like lack of awareness and motivation both in the side of teachers and students,
dependence of lower achievers on higher achievers, unequal sharing of work among group
members, inappropriate group organization, Uncomfortable seating arrangement of
students, Insufficient support and follow up from teachers and etc before the
implementation of action plan. Nevertheless, by utilizing the proposed actions like
creating awareness about the importance of cooperative learning, reorganizing group
arrangement, providing different responsibilities for each member of the group and
providing the required support for all the groups the researchers observed improvement
on achievement of students. Thus, it is possible to conclude that, cooperative learning
can improve the achievement of students if it is conducted in well -organized way by
using different strategies that help learners to take responsibility by themselves.
Bookmark/Search this post with
FULL TEXT (PDF):
- 18