Cooperative learning

A group of researchers from the universities of Stirling, Strathclyde, Dundee and the Institute of Education, London, have studied the effects of cooperative learning on science attainment, attitudes towards science and social skills during the period of transition from primary to secondary school.¹ The project was done in two stages.

The first stage involved 10-12-year old pupils from 24 experimental classes in primary schools in Scotland. The classes covered group work skills, such as listening, questioning, helping, giving explanations and reaching agreement and two group projects - one on evaporation and condensation, and one on forces.