Improving Academic Performance in Science through Cooperative Learning among Grade Six Pupils of Tejeros Convention Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Through this research I wanted to use some cooperative learning strategies to help my students improve their academic performance in Science. Globalization, the opening up of the economy and scientific and technological process are factors which have influenced the education system and society in general. Nowadays, it is necessary to improve student academic performance to prepare them as workers that will face future labor challenges. One of those challenges in the development of academic performance is addressed through cooperative learning, to be able to interact on equal footing with the rest of the world.

METHODS

This school is co-educational, with a total number of 1,523 students and in each level, there are 36 students on average. Considering all those aspects, our school is a special context for working on the project with our students.

RESULTS

All the students at the end of the implementation showed different attitudes towards group work and the skill of speaking. At the beginning of the process students did not like to work in groups and felt uncomfortable speaking English.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results gathered, I can say that there are five factors necessary to facilitate cooperative learning in the classroom: 1) small groups are required; 2) different levels of learning ability need to be considered; 3) it is good practice to establish the group's rules according to each activity; 4) it is important to work on one skill for each stage, and finally, 5) it is important to evaluatestudent performance.