Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of cooperative learning method of
instruction in sustaining interest and improving performance of girls in Integrated Science.
Thirty eight (38) girls selected from Form 2 General Arts class in St. Margaret Mary Senior
High Technical School participated in this study. Tests, Questionnaires and Treatment
Verification Checklist were the main instruments used for collecting data. A self-designed
baseline survey test, pre-intervention test, was conducted to determine the previous
knowledge base of the respondents in some selected topics in Integrated Science. The
cooperative learning method was carried out as an intervention to stimulate the interest of the
girls in Integrated Science for eight weeks. A post-intervention test was then administered to
determine the effect of the intervention in stimulating the interest and improving the
performance of the girls in Integrated Science. A t-test showed that, there was a significant
difference in the performance of the girls in the post-intervention tests. According to the
results of the post- intervention test, questionnaires and the Treatment Verification checklist,
Cooperative Learning Approach improved achievement and brought about an enhanced
interest of the girls in Integrated Science. It can be concluded that the Cooperative Learning
Approach is an innovative pedagogy to change teaching and learning practices in the science classroom. The intervention fostered positive classroom interactions, promoted positive attitudes towards science and provided opportunities for developing critical thinking and analytical skills. The study therefore recommended further research in to the Cooperative Learning Approach in other topics of Science in other School.
Description:
Thesis in the Department of SCIENCE EDUCATION, Faculty of SCIENCE
EDUCATION, Submitted to the School of Research and Graduate Studies, University of
Education, Winneba, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the
Degree of MASTER of EDUCATION IN SCIENCE.
JULY, 2012