A comparative study on student achievement in science through cooperative learning and individual learning at Nantawan International School

Abstract

This study compared the differences in student achievement in science between cooperative learning and individualistic learning. The study had four objectives which were to determine 1) if there is an improvement in student achievement in science through cooperative learning, 2) if there is an improvement in student achievement in science through individualistic learning, 3) if there is a significant difference in student achievement in science between cooperative learning and individualistic learning activities, 4) if there is a significant difference in student achievement in science through cooperative learning and individualistic learning activities by year of study in Nantawan International School. The sample of 64 multinational students from the varying levels of primary Year 3 to 6 were given pretests and posttests through both cooperative and individualistic learning style in order to compare student achievement in science in the second semester of the academic year 2011-2012 at Nantawan International School. A major finding of the study was that there was a significant difference in student achievement in science between cooperative learning and individualistic learning activities in all four year levels from Year 3 to 6 in the direction that cooperative learning activities were more effective than individualistic learning activities for achievement in science. There was no significant difference in student achievement in science through both cooperative learning and individualistic learning activities by year of study in Nantawan International School. As a result of findings of this research, cooperative learning is recommended in the teaching/learning process to improve student achievement in science.