The impact of some selected factors in cooperative learning on the improvement of academic performance and social behavior among grade five students at a primary school – ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate The impact of some selected factors in cooperative learning on the improvement of academic performance and social behaviour among Grade Five students at a primary school in central Clarendon. The need to research this topic arose from an observation that a number of students lacked good social skills. This was displayed in and out of the classroom. The researcher also observed that students were not performing up to acceptable academic standards. In order to garner data for the study, a questionnaire, observation checklist, and pre and post tests were instruments that were used. The three main features that were looked at were; cooperative learning, academic performance and social behaviour. Data were collected, analyzed and interpreted. Major findings reflected that the majority of the students performed better academically when cooperative learning strategies were utilized; marked improvement in the social behaviour of the sample was noticed as opposed to students who did not participate in the cooperative learning exercise.

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American Education is in the Dumpster

The relationship between cooperative learning and academic performance was found to be highly significant. More students obtained failing grades when they had to work by themselves than when they worked with others. The researcher recommended that: The Ministry of Education make it mandatory that the cooperative learning strategy and the teaching of social skills be incorporated in the curriculum at all levels of the education system. The Ministry of Education should also ensure that classrooms are equipped with more instructional aids for teachers to successfully carry out cooperative learning activities because adequate materials will bring about an increase in students’ academic performance. Regular workshops and seminars should be held by The Ministry of Education for teachers to educate themselves on the effective use and implementation of cooperative learning strategies in the classrooms. Guidance Counsellors and...