The Effects of Cooperative Learning Strategies on Sixth Grade Bhutanese Students’ Learning Achievement and Satisfaction in Social Studies Class
Keywords:
cooperative learning strategies, social studies, learning achievement, learning satisfactionAbstract
This mixed method research was conducted focusing on the effects of cooperative learning (CL) strategies on grade six students’ learning achievement and satisfaction in Social Studies. The sample consisting of 30 students from one of the schools in Bhutan were instructed through cooperative learning strategies twice a week for four weeks. Pretest and posttest were administered via 20 multiple choice questions to collect quantitative data. Qualitative data were gathered using students’ reflective journal followed by a focus group discussion. The analysis of the test score through paired sample t-test revealed higher posttest (x̅ =15.50) than the pretest (x̅ =7.37). The significance value of .01 was an indication of increase in the posttest scores. Analysis of the qualitative data within the framework of principles of content analysis proved impactful on students “learning satisfaction.†Hence, cooperative learning strategies are highly recommended for instructing social studies to improve students’ achievement and learning satisfaction.
References
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Alrayah, H. (2018). The effectiveness of cooperative learning activities in enhancing EFL learners’ fluency. English Language Teaching, 11(4), 2-31.
Alshammari, N. M. (2015). Effects of cooperative learning on academic performance of college students in Saudi Arabia (Doctoral dissertation, State University of New York at Fredonia). Retrieved from:
https://dspace.sunyconnect.suny.edu/handle/1951/65742
Al-Yaseen, W. S. (2011). Expectations of a group of primary school teachers trained on cooperative learning on the possibility of successful implementations. Education, 132(2), 273-284.
Baleghizadeh, S., & Hossein R. A. (2012). The effectiveness of cooperative learning strategies on the writing performance of EFL students. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 1(1), 19-34.
Baloche, L., & Brody, C. M. (2017). Cooperative learning: Exploring challenges, crafting innovations. Journal of Education for Teaching, 43(3), 274-283.
Bhutan Council for School Examination and Assessment. (2015). Pupil performance report 2015. Volume 9. Retrieved from: http://bcsea.bt/downloads/ppr/PPR-2015.pdf.
Chatila, H., & Husseiny, F. (2017). Effect of cooperative learning strategy on students’ acquisition and practice of scientific skills in Biology. Journal of Education in Science, Environment and Health, 3(1), 88-99.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). A concise introduction to mixed methods research. Nebraska: Sage.
Devi, A. P., Musthafa, B., & Gustine, G. G. G. (2016). Using cooperative learning in teaching critical thinking in reading. English Review: Journal of English Education, 4(1), 1-14.
Farmer, L. M. (2017). Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures and the Effects on Student Achievement and Engagement. U.S.A: Northwestern.
Farrell, T.S.C., & Jacobs, G.M. (2016). Practicing what we preach; Teacher reflection groups on cooperative learning. The Electronic Journal for English as a Second Language, 19(4), 1-9.
Farzaneh, N., & Nejadansari, D. (2014). Students' attitude towards using cooperative learning for teaching reading comprehension. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 4(2), 287.
Gillies, R. M. (2014). Cooperative learning: Developments in research. International Journal of Educational Psychology, 3(2), 125-140.
Gillies, R. M., & Boyle, M. (2010). Teachers' reflections on cooperative learning: Issues of implementation. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26(4), 933-940.
Gonzales, W. D. W., & Torres, P. L.O. (2016). Filipino ESL learners’ attitudes toward cooperative learning and their relationship to reading comprehension. TESOL International Journal, 11(2), 70-90.
Gurbuz, N., Simsek, U., & Berber, K. (2015). Effect of cooperative learning model on the academic success of students at 6th grade social studies lesson. Caucasus University e-Caucasus Education Research Journal, 2(1), 19-27.
Harris, M. (2011). Thinking about infants and young children. London, England: Karnac.
Hosseini, K., Navkhasi, J., & Shahsavari, H. (2017). The effect of cooperative learning on the student’s academic achievement. European Journal of Education Studies, 3(6), 319-328.
Jack, L. M. (2015). An analysis of the implementation and the effect of jigsaw and think-pair-share cooperative learning strategies on ninth grade students’' achievement in algebra I (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 3689597)
Jackson, J. (2017). Teachers' perceptions and experiences with the implementation of cooperative learning (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (ProQuest No. 10689209).
Jacobs, G., & Seow, P. (2015). Cooperative learning principles enhance online interaction. Journal of International and Comparative Education, 4(1), 28-38.
Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. (2014). Cooperative learning in 21st century. Anales dePsicologia, 30(3), 841-851.
Jolliffe, W. (2010). The implementation of Cooperative Learning: A Case Study of Cooperative Learning in a Networked Learning Community. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Hull University.
Jurkowski, S., & Hanze, M. (2015). How to increase the benefits of cooperation: Effects of training in transactive communication on cooperative learning. Educational Psychology, 85(3), 357-371.
Juweto, G. A. (2015). Effects of jigsaw cooperative teaching/learning strategy and school location on students’ achievement and attitude towards biology in secondary school in Delta State. International Journal of Education and Research, 3(8).
Kagan, S., & Kagan, M. (2009). Kagan Cooperative Learning. San Clemente, CA: Kagan.
Kahlke, R. M. (2014). Generic qualitative approaches: Pitfalls and benefits of methodological mixology. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 13(1), 37-52.
Khan, A., & Akhtar, M. (2017). Investigating the effectiveness of cooperative learning method on teaching of English grammar. Bulletin of Education and Research, 39(1), 1-16.
Knowles, C. A. (2014). Effects of positive behavior interventions and supports on middle school student achievement (Doctoral Dissertations). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 3617520).
Korkmaz, T. S., & Tay, B. (2016). The effect of cooperative learning method and systematic teaching on students’ achievement and retention of knowledge in social studies lesson. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 18 (66), 315-334.
McKim, C. A. (2017). The value of mixed methods research: A mixed methods study. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 11(2), 202-222.
McLeod, S. A. (2012). Zone of proximal development. Retrieved from: www.simplypsychology.org/Zone-of-Proximal-Development.html.
Misco, T. (2014). Controversial issue instruction in context: A social studies education response to the problem of the public. Education and Culture, 30(2), 47-59.
Modaber, H., & Far, F. B. (2017). The effects of cooperative learning on students’ self-esteem. European Journal of Social Sciences Studies, 2(3), 156-163.
Mohammadjani, F., & Tonkaboni, F. (2015). A comparison between the effects of cooperative learning teaching method and lecture teaching method on students' learning and satisfaction level. International Education Studies, 8(9), 107-112.
Neo, T. K., Neo, M., Kwok, W. J., Tan, Y. J., Lai, C. H., & Zarina, C. E. (2012). MICE 2.0: Designing multimedia content to foster active learning in a Malaysian classroom. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 28(5), 857-880.
Oliver, R. M., Wehby, J. H., & Reschly, D. J. (2011). Teacher classroom management practices: effects on disruptive or aggressive student behavior. Retrieved from: https://eric.ed.gov/ id=ED519160
Pope, J. D. (2016). Cooperative learning: Knowledge and perceptions of urban primary and secondary mathematics teachers (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations database. (UMI No. 10076373).
Rabgay, T. (2013). The effect of cooperative learning on learning achievement and opinion of the Seventh grade Students towards Science Subjects (Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Rangsit University, Thailand).
Renandya, W. A., & Jacobs, G. M. (2017). Cooperative learning: Addressing implementation issues. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching, 12(2), 101-113.
Resnik,D.B. (2008, August). What is ethics in research and why is it important? Program in Research Integrity Education, 8(8), 1-5.
Robinson, S. R. (2012). A phenomenological study of experienced teacher perceptions regarding cooperative learning training and cooperative learning implementation in the classroom. (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No.3547256).
Sherab, K., & Dorji, P. (2013). Bhutanese teachers’ pedagogical orientation in the primary classes: A factor on quality education. Journal of Information Technology & Software Engineering, 17(1), 18-28.
Thomas, M. V., & Kothari, R.G. (2015). A study on the effectiveness of a strategy based on cooperative learning for science teaching in class VII. MIER Journal of Educational Studies, Trends & Practices, 5(2), 123- 136.
Tran, V. D. (2014). The effects of cooperative learning on the academic achievement and knowledge retention. International Journal of Higher Education, 3(2), 131-140.
Tsay, M., & Brady, M. (2012). A case study of cooperative learning and communication pedagogy: Does working in teams make a difference? Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 10(2), 78-89.
Vaaland, G. S. (2016). Pupil aggressiveness, teacher authority, and disruptive classroom behavior. Stravanger: Norway.
Weimer, M (2018). Multiple-choice tests: Revisiting the pros and cons. Retrieved from:
https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/multiple-choice-tests-pros-cons/
Wright, R. (2017). The impact of cooperative learning on the social competence of minority students with special needs (Doctoral Dissertations). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No.10195890).
Wyman, P. J. (2018). Academic achievement with cooperative learning using homogeneous and heterogeneous groups (Doctoral Dissertations). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 10787105).
Yangzom, T. (2017). Using cooperative learning in teaching topographical map in geography to enhance learning achievement of 10th grade students in Bhutan (Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Rangsit University, Thailand).
Yapici, H. (2016). Use of jigsaw technique to teach the unit "science within time" in secondary 7th grade social sciences course and students' views on this technique. Educational Research and Reviews, 11(8), 773-780.
Zamani, M. (2016). Cooperative learning: Homogeneous and heterogeneous grouping of Iranian EFL learners in a writing context. Cogent Education, 3(1), 1-11.
Alrayah, H. (2018). The effectiveness of cooperative learning activities in enhancing EFL learners’ fluency. English Language Teaching, 11(4), 2-31.
Alshammari, N. M. (2015). Effects of cooperative learning on academic performance of college students in Saudi Arabia (Doctoral dissertation, State University of New York at Fredonia). Retrieved from:
https://dspace.sunyconnect.suny.edu/handle/1951/65742
Al-Yaseen, W. S. (2011). Expectations of a group of primary school teachers trained on cooperative learning on the possibility of successful implementations. Education, 132(2), 273-284.
Baleghizadeh, S., & Hossein R. A. (2012). The effectiveness of cooperative learning strategies on the writing performance of EFL students. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 1(1), 19-34.
Baloche, L., & Brody, C. M. (2017). Cooperative learning: Exploring challenges, crafting innovations. Journal of Education for Teaching, 43(3), 274-283.
Bhutan Council for School Examination and Assessment. (2015). Pupil performance report 2015. Volume 9. Retrieved from: http://bcsea.bt/downloads/ppr/PPR-2015.pdf.
Chatila, H., & Husseiny, F. (2017). Effect of cooperative learning strategy on students’ acquisition and practice of scientific skills in Biology. Journal of Education in Science, Environment and Health, 3(1), 88-99.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). A concise introduction to mixed methods research. Nebraska: Sage.
Devi, A. P., Musthafa, B., & Gustine, G. G. G. (2016). Using cooperative learning in teaching critical thinking in reading. English Review: Journal of English Education, 4(1), 1-14.
Farmer, L. M. (2017). Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures and the Effects on Student Achievement and Engagement. U.S.A: Northwestern.
Farrell, T.S.C., & Jacobs, G.M. (2016). Practicing what we preach; Teacher reflection groups on cooperative learning. The Electronic Journal for English as a Second Language, 19(4), 1-9.
Farzaneh, N., & Nejadansari, D. (2014). Students' attitude towards using cooperative learning for teaching reading comprehension. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 4(2), 287.
Gillies, R. M. (2014). Cooperative learning: Developments in research. International Journal of Educational Psychology, 3(2), 125-140.
Gillies, R. M., & Boyle, M. (2010). Teachers' reflections on cooperative learning: Issues of implementation. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26(4), 933-940.
Gonzales, W. D. W., & Torres, P. L.O. (2016). Filipino ESL learners’ attitudes toward cooperative learning and their relationship to reading comprehension. TESOL International Journal, 11(2), 70-90.
Gurbuz, N., Simsek, U., & Berber, K. (2015). Effect of cooperative learning model on the academic success of students at 6th grade social studies lesson. Caucasus University e-Caucasus Education Research Journal, 2(1), 19-27.
Harris, M. (2011). Thinking about infants and young children. London, England: Karnac.
Hosseini, K., Navkhasi, J., & Shahsavari, H. (2017). The effect of cooperative learning on the student’s academic achievement. European Journal of Education Studies, 3(6), 319-328.
Jack, L. M. (2015). An analysis of the implementation and the effect of jigsaw and think-pair-share cooperative learning strategies on ninth grade students’' achievement in algebra I (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 3689597)
Jackson, J. (2017). Teachers' perceptions and experiences with the implementation of cooperative learning (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (ProQuest No. 10689209).
Jacobs, G., & Seow, P. (2015). Cooperative learning principles enhance online interaction. Journal of International and Comparative Education, 4(1), 28-38.
Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. (2014). Cooperative learning in 21st century. Anales dePsicologia, 30(3), 841-851.
Jolliffe, W. (2010). The implementation of Cooperative Learning: A Case Study of Cooperative Learning in a Networked Learning Community. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Hull University.
Jurkowski, S., & Hanze, M. (2015). How to increase the benefits of cooperation: Effects of training in transactive communication on cooperative learning. Educational Psychology, 85(3), 357-371.
Juweto, G. A. (2015). Effects of jigsaw cooperative teaching/learning strategy and school location on students’ achievement and attitude towards biology in secondary school in Delta State. International Journal of Education and Research, 3(8).
Kagan, S., & Kagan, M. (2009). Kagan Cooperative Learning. San Clemente, CA: Kagan.
Kahlke, R. M. (2014). Generic qualitative approaches: Pitfalls and benefits of methodological mixology. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 13(1), 37-52.
Khan, A., & Akhtar, M. (2017). Investigating the effectiveness of cooperative learning method on teaching of English grammar. Bulletin of Education and Research, 39(1), 1-16.
Knowles, C. A. (2014). Effects of positive behavior interventions and supports on middle school student achievement (Doctoral Dissertations). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 3617520).
Korkmaz, T. S., & Tay, B. (2016). The effect of cooperative learning method and systematic teaching on students’ achievement and retention of knowledge in social studies lesson. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 18 (66), 315-334.
McKim, C. A. (2017). The value of mixed methods research: A mixed methods study. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 11(2), 202-222.
McLeod, S. A. (2012). Zone of proximal development. Retrieved from: www.simplypsychology.org/Zone-of-Proximal-Development.html.
Misco, T. (2014). Controversial issue instruction in context: A social studies education response to the problem of the public. Education and Culture, 30(2), 47-59.
Modaber, H., & Far, F. B. (2017). The effects of cooperative learning on students’ self-esteem. European Journal of Social Sciences Studies, 2(3), 156-163.
Mohammadjani, F., & Tonkaboni, F. (2015). A comparison between the effects of cooperative learning teaching method and lecture teaching method on students' learning and satisfaction level. International Education Studies, 8(9), 107-112.
Neo, T. K., Neo, M., Kwok, W. J., Tan, Y. J., Lai, C. H., & Zarina, C. E. (2012). MICE 2.0: Designing multimedia content to foster active learning in a Malaysian classroom. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 28(5), 857-880.
Oliver, R. M., Wehby, J. H., & Reschly, D. J. (2011). Teacher classroom management practices: effects on disruptive or aggressive student behavior. Retrieved from: https://eric.ed.gov/ id=ED519160
Pope, J. D. (2016). Cooperative learning: Knowledge and perceptions of urban primary and secondary mathematics teachers (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations database. (UMI No. 10076373).
Rabgay, T. (2013). The effect of cooperative learning on learning achievement and opinion of the Seventh grade Students towards Science Subjects (Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Rangsit University, Thailand).
Renandya, W. A., & Jacobs, G. M. (2017). Cooperative learning: Addressing implementation issues. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching, 12(2), 101-113.
Resnik,D.B. (2008, August). What is ethics in research and why is it important? Program in Research Integrity Education, 8(8), 1-5.
Robinson, S. R. (2012). A phenomenological study of experienced teacher perceptions regarding cooperative learning training and cooperative learning implementation in the classroom. (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No.3547256).
Sherab, K., & Dorji, P. (2013). Bhutanese teachers’ pedagogical orientation in the primary classes: A factor on quality education. Journal of Information Technology & Software Engineering, 17(1), 18-28.
Thomas, M. V., & Kothari, R.G. (2015). A study on the effectiveness of a strategy based on cooperative learning for science teaching in class VII. MIER Journal of Educational Studies, Trends & Practices, 5(2), 123- 136.
Tran, V. D. (2014). The effects of cooperative learning on the academic achievement and knowledge retention. International Journal of Higher Education, 3(2), 131-140.
Tsay, M., & Brady, M. (2012). A case study of cooperative learning and communication pedagogy: Does working in teams make a difference? Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 10(2), 78-89.
Vaaland, G. S. (2016). Pupil aggressiveness, teacher authority, and disruptive classroom behavior. Stravanger: Norway.
Weimer, M (2018). Multiple-choice tests: Revisiting the pros and cons. Retrieved from:
https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/multiple-choice-tests-pros-cons/
Wright, R. (2017). The impact of cooperative learning on the social competence of minority students with special needs (Doctoral Dissertations). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No.10195890).
Wyman, P. J. (2018). Academic achievement with cooperative learning using homogeneous and heterogeneous groups (Doctoral Dissertations). Retrieved from: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 10787105).
Yangzom, T. (2017). Using cooperative learning in teaching topographical map in geography to enhance learning achievement of 10th grade students in Bhutan (Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Rangsit University, Thailand).
Yapici, H. (2016). Use of jigsaw technique to teach the unit "science within time" in secondary 7th grade social sciences course and students' views on this technique. Educational Research and Reviews, 11(8), 773-780.
Zamani, M. (2016). Cooperative learning: Homogeneous and heterogeneous grouping of Iranian EFL learners in a writing context. Cogent Education, 3(1), 1-11.
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2018-12-12
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