Using cooperative learning

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.