Using cooperative learning to enhance pupils’ performance in science in some schools in Agortime-Ziope district

Abstract

Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups of learners so that they work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning. This study investigated the use of cooperative learning to enhance the performance of upper primary pupils in science. A mixed method approach with a quasi-experimental design was used. The access population was upper primary pupils from Kortsrala and Takuve D/A primary schools in the Agortime-Ziope district of the Volta region of Ghana with a sample size of 32 pupils. The sample was divided into experimental and control group with each group consisting of sixteen pupils. At the beginning of the study, both the experimental group and control groups were pre-tested. The experimental group was taught using the cooperative learning method while the control group was taught using the old-fashioned way of teaching. At the end of the four weeks treatment, both groups were post-tested. Post-test results showed that pupils taught with cooperative learning approach exhibited high academic performance and thus prove that cooperative learning enhances pupil’s own understanding of concepts.