Improving Mathematical Skills and Attitudes of Second and Third Graders Through Cooperative Learning
Date of Award
1-1-1991
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Dr. William W. Anderson
Committee Member
Shirley Shultz
Keywords
achievement, attitudinal surveys, computational skills, cooperative grouping, heterogeneous grouping, implementation, mathematics, mathematics attitudes, motivation, non-threatening environment, number concepts, post-test, practicum, pretest, primary grade students, skill deficiencies, skill improvement, student achievement, team learning, traditional setting, weak students
Abstract
The aim of this practicum was to eliminate primary grade students' negative perception that mathematics is difficult and to assist students in developing and understanding of number concepts and computational skills.
Students in the targeted group were heterogeneously grouped into teams of three. Students were given a math pretest before implementation. Determine skilled deficient areas and a post-test after implementation to define skill improvement areas. Students were also administered a pre/post attitudinal survey to ascertain the students attitude toward before, and after the implementation.
The outcome of this practicum was encouraging. The objectives stated at the beginning of implementation were successfully met. The data collected at the end of the implementation. Suggested that cooperative grouping (1) provides for a non-threatening environment that is conducive to learning, (2) allows weak students to grasp concepts that appeared to be beyond their reach in the traditional setting, (3) enhances student motivation and achievement.