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...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
