Learning in Small Groups: Effect on Students Performance in Mathematics of VI Graders

In present teaching-learning scenario, cooperative learning stands out as one of the strongest principals of educational psychology. Cooperative learning results in higher level reasoning, more frequent generation of new ideas and solutions and greater transfer of what is learned within one situation than did traditional approach. The more conceptual the task, the more problem-solving required, the more desirable higher level reasoning and critical thinking, the more creativity required, learning can begin, students will learn some of the skills required for successful group interaction. Thus in this action research study of classroom of VI^th grade mathematics, the investigator found the inclusion of cooperative learning groups. A pre-test post-test one group experimental design was employed on a sample of 32 students of a public school. Data was collected to see how cooperative learning groups affected students’ math scores. On the one hand, the investigator discovered that many students enjoyed the opportunity to work within a group. On the other hand, there continues to be a handful of students who would rather work alone. The benefits outweigh the demands. Overall, students benefited from the inclusion of cooperative learning groups. As a result of this research, the investigator plan to continue with the incorporation of cooperative learning groups in the VI ^th grade math classroom.