Leiden University Student Repository

Acosta, Marcela (2012)

Effects of Cooperative Learning on Academic Achievement of Primary Pupils: A systematic review

Master thesis | Education and Child Studies (MSc)

This thesis systematically reviews research published from 1999 to 2012 examining the effects of cooperative learning on the academic achievement of primary pupils. The literature search is described. Eleven studies which followed a randomized controlled trial or a quasi-experimental research design were included according to pre-established criteria and were afterwards reviewed. Sample characteristics, cooperative interventions and outcomes on primary pupil’s academic achievement are reported. Results showed (a) the positive effects of cooperative learning interventions on primary pupils’ academic achievement in comparison to traditional instructional methods, (b) the positive effect of cooperative methods on the academic subject of language in primary education and the potentially positive effects of this method in science and math and (c) the potentially positive effects of teacher training in cooperative methods on primary pupils’ academic achievement. However, the scarce amount...Show moreThis thesis systematically reviews research published from 1999 to 2012 examining the effects of cooperative learning on the academic achievement of primary pupils. The literature search is described. Eleven studies which followed a randomized controlled trial or a quasi-experimental research design were included according to pre-established criteria and were afterwards reviewed. Sample characteristics, cooperative interventions and outcomes on primary pupil’s academic achievement are reported. Results showed (a) the positive effects of cooperative learning interventions on primary pupils’ academic achievement in comparison to traditional instructional methods, (b) the positive effect of cooperative methods on the academic subject of language in primary education and the potentially positive effects of this method in science and math and (c) the potentially positive effects of teacher training in cooperative methods on primary pupils’ academic achievement. However, the scarce amount of experimental studies found limit conclusions to be drawn about the efficacy of cooperative learning.Show less

cooperative learning

primary education

academic achievement.

Author

Acosta, Marcela

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Educational Studies

Supervisors

Saab, Nadira

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en