Effects of Group Work Activities in Raising Students Motivation in Science

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Group work activities are one of the best strategies initiated by the teacher in a classroom discussion. It can apply in a different subject area particularly in Science subjects because it is more on experimentation and researching which requires group work activities. In this study, we search for the most effective group work activities to use by the teacher in Science. It concerns with some problems that intermediate pupils encountered during activities and giving them an absolute solution to the problem.

METHODS

The research design used by the researcher was a qualitative analysis, they provided questionnaires and interview guides as an instrument in gathering data to describe the effects of group work activities in raising student motivation in science. Three Teachers and 15 intermediate students were the respondents of the study. The researcher conducted the study at Pingkian Elementary School which is located at Reparo, Nasugbu, Batangas. The information given by the respondents was interpreted and presented as narrative statements.

RESULTS

Most of the respondents who participated in the study agreed that giving group work activities given by the teacher to their pupils were effective. They find it interesting, enjoyable and motivating. 80% of the respondent admits that doing group activities help them understand the lesson easier rather than alone because they are comfortable to ask a question with their group mates and get ideas from them. Giving group work activities also develop socialization skills of the student and improve self-confidence.

DISCUSSIONS

The result shows that many students are interested in group work activities, they enjoy the activities and they are very motivated to learn. Group work activities can catch the attention of the learners by using different activities such as sci games and body language, for them to have long retention of the topic. So that the teacher should be more flexible in administering the activities. The teacher may prepare group work activities that are not expensive but interesting. They can use different sorts of activities that suit the level of intelligence of the learners for them to become more attentive and alive during science time.