The Effect of Cooperative Learning Strategyin Learning Mathematics at Primary Level

Abstract

This study investigates the rationaleand value of using cooperative learningstrategies in the mathematics classroom with special reference to its effectiveness ofcooperative method in achievement in mathematics and analyze the behaviour ofstudents during experiment. In this it is compared with conventional regular teachingmethod. A pretest-posttest non equivalent grap design was adopted for the purpose ofthe study. In this research, achievement test, class observation, teaching episodes andunstructure interview were the main tools for the study. The study sample wascomposed of 30 students in grade IV publicschool of Humla district. Two groupsexperimental and control were selected by random sample method fromasampleschool. The researcher developed the achievement test. Both the experimental andcontrol groups were taught by researcher himself using cooperative and conventionalregular teaching method respectively. Then the researcher have taken the pre and postmathematical achievement test to assess students achievement. The researchercalculated mean, variance and standard deviation of both group. The researcher hasanalyzed the data with the help of mean, variance and standard deviation than usedthe statistical t-test at the 0.05 level of significance. Also the researcher noted thatboth groups students behaviour, attendance rate, participation, learning intraction andclass/home work in learning mathematics. From the analysis of collected data, mean achievement score of studentstaught by using cooperative learning method is better than the students taught byconventional method. This study demonstrates that cooperative learning strategiesenhance the teaching and learning process by transforming focus from a teachercentred situation into a student centred learning context. It is recommended that moreresearch be carried out in different field of study to concentrate on improving thequality of learning and enhancing problem solving skills.