Using cooperative learning

By John Parkinson2009-01-01T00:00:00

Source: Shutterstock

Researchers based in Turkey show that effective group work in the classroom improves students' understanding of science

Cooperative learning describes what happens during effective group work. Burcin Acar and Leman Tarhan of the University of Dokuz Eylul, Turkey have shown that students taught using this method develop a significantly better understanding of metallic bonding than those taught by traditional methods.¹

The researchers selected 57 15-year olds from two classes in one school. The classes were selected because of the similarities in the students' background and ability, and that they were taught by the same science teacher. The teacher taught metallic bonding to one class using a traditional, didactic approach and to the other class using material that fostered cooperative learning. The teacher received training in ways of encouraging students to work as a group.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.