Cooperative Learning in Context

Cooperative Learning in Context
Author: Evelyn Jacob
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Total Pages: 256
Release: 1999-07-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1438407696

Cooperative Learning in Context examines the real-world implications of cooperative learning techniques used in a culturally diverse, suburban elementary school fourth grade mathematics class and sixth grade social studies class. Evelyn Jacob takes an anthropologist's eye to document not just the successes, but also the failures and missed opportunities exhibited by the participating teachers and students. Six interwoven contextual aspects that affect teaching and learning are explored: task structure, psychological and technical tools, interpersonal interactions and social relationships, individual and social meanings, local cultures and institutions, and larger cultures and institutions. In exploring the implications of the study, Jacob discusses how an understanding of contextual features can enable educators to improve the processes and outcomes of cooperative learning and other powerful educational innovations.

Effects of Computer-Based Cooperative Learning on the Problem Solving Skills of Grade Six Students

Effects of Computer-Based Cooperative Learning on the Problem Solving Skills of Grade Six Students
Author: Steven Poris
Publisher: Universal-Publishers
Total Pages: 130
Release: 2000-08-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1581121016

This study was designed to determine if sixth-grade students' problem solving skills were improved by means of their experience with a computer-based logical puzzle game designed to increase reasoning skills, and, in turn, problem solving ability. Students worked on this game either in cooperative learning pairs or alone. Baseline and post-experimental problem-solving ability was measured through the administration of a Problem Solving Test; Form A was utilized as a pretest for this purpose, Form B was used as a post-test. Comparisons of problem-solving ability based upon post-test scores (Form B) were made among four groups of students (N = 106): Group 1: Students (n = 26) who worked on the computer-based puzzle game in cooperative learning pairs Group 2: Students (n = 27) who worked on the computer-based puzzle game as individuals Group 3: Students (n = 24) who worked on a computer-based social studies simulation in cooperative learning pairs Group 4: Students (n = 29) who worked on a computer-based social studies simulation as individuals. A t-test comparison of post-test data between all students who worked on the puzzle game and all students who did not work on the puzzle game showed no significant difference between the two groups' problem solving abilities. However, an analysis of variance comparing the means of all four groups showed that the students in Group 1 performed significantly better (F=3.783, p