This study examines effects of small group cooperative learning on areas of mathematics such as number and calculation, figure, and measurement, and changes of attitude-interest in math in elementary schools. Seventy eight second graders from Jinhae C...
This study examines effects of small group cooperative learning on areas of mathematics such as number and calculation, figure, and measurement, and changes of attitude-interest in math in elementary schools. Seventy eight second graders from Jinhae City were divided into the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group was subdivided into small groups of four students who belonged in different levels of math performance. The subdivision was renewed whenever each area was covered. An examination paper which had been developed by Ministry of Education & Human Resources Development and Kyeongsangnamdo Office of Education was given to the subjects. Also, a questionnaire was developed and given to the participants. The results show that, in general, the small group cooperative learning had good effects on the students' ability to solve math problems and, in articular, greater effects on the ability of low-level students. It is revealed that the interaction between the students in small groups affected their attitudes toward and interest in mathematics in a positive way, but did not make perceivable changes in self-confidence of the young Learners.