The effects of cooperating learning strategies on understanding elementary science concepts

Abstract

The study implemented cooperative learning, an educational approach which organizes activities into academic and social experiences, into the classroom experience of third grade students. These students were originally accustomed to the conventional methods of teaching, in which the teacher lectures while the students take notes. In the implementation, various techniques, such as Jigsaw II, Three-Step Interview, and Round Robin, were used. Results proposed that the techniques positively impacted the students' understanding of elementary school science concepts, their motivation to participate and learn, and their relationships with one another.