Topic: The effects of cooperative learning groups versus individual work on spelling test achievement in the 2 nd and 3 rd grade. By: Norma Rosa Howard University Fall 2008

Why cooperative learning and spelling achievement?Why cooperative learning and spelling achievement? –Saw a lack of cooperative learning activities being provided in the classroom –Saw that many students were struggling on spelling tests despite the hw assigned to them each night Introduction

What is cooperative learning and why is it used? Cooperative learning is defined as “students working together in a group small enough that everyone can participate on a collective task that has been clearly assigned” (Cohen, 1994).Cooperative learning is defined as “students working together in a group small enough that everyone can participate on a collective task that has been clearly assigned” (Cohen, 1994). In addition to boosting academic achievement, cooperative learning groups are used in some instances to boost motivation, improve social skills, and increase self-efficacy (Emmer, 2002).In addition to boosting academic achievement, cooperative learning groups are used in some instances to boost motivation, improve social skills, and increase self-efficacy (Emmer, 2002). Review of Literature

What is needed to make CL groups most efficient in the classroom? One necessity that many of the articles agreed upon was that teachers must instruct the students on how to conduct themselves in a cooperative learning group and clearly define the expectations of the assignment (Emmer, 2002).One necessity that many of the articles agreed upon was that teachers must instruct the students on how to conduct themselves in a cooperative learning group and clearly define the expectations of the assignment (Emmer, 2002). Additionally, one study showed that students who were a part of an ineffective cooperative learning group were more likely to cite the teacher as a reason for their ineffectiveness (Hijzen, 2007).Additionally, one study showed that students who were a part of an ineffective cooperative learning group were more likely to cite the teacher as a reason for their ineffectiveness (Hijzen, 2007). –The teacher’s role at this time is to monitor for understanding, offer support when needed, and to make sure to present tasks that are challenging and ensure critical thinking (Gillies, 2008) Literature Continued…

Are CL groups effective with special needs and gifted populations? Cooperative learning groups are advocated for use within both regular education classrooms as well as classrooms with special education students (Fore, 2006).Cooperative learning groups are advocated for use within both regular education classrooms as well as classrooms with special education students (Fore, 2006). One study stated that gifted students showed gains in reading achievement when placed in heterogeneous groups as well as homogeneous (Mellser, 1999).One study stated that gifted students showed gains in reading achievement when placed in heterogeneous groups as well as homogeneous (Mellser, 1999). Contrastingly, another study showed that gifted students actually feel better about working in homogeneous groups because it is more stimulating and challenging than when working with less-capable peers (Matthews, 1992).Contrastingly, another study showed that gifted students actually feel better about working in homogeneous groups because it is more stimulating and challenging than when working with less-capable peers (Matthews, 1992). Literature Continued…

Are CL groups effective for urban populations? One study done of elementary school African American males revealed that they felt they learned best through cooperative learning groups with limited teacher interaction (Wilson- Jones, 2004).One study done of elementary school African American males revealed that they felt they learned best through cooperative learning groups with limited teacher interaction (Wilson- Jones, 2004). Another study done in Bermuda revealed that students of color showed gains in achievement and attitudes toward math when using CL methods. (Vaughan, 2002).Another study done in Bermuda revealed that students of color showed gains in achievement and attitudes toward math when using CL methods. (Vaughan, 2002). Literature Continued…

It is hypothesized that students who complete spelling enrichment tasks in cooperative learning groups will improve more significantly on spelling tests than students who work individually.It is hypothesized that students who complete spelling enrichment tasks in cooperative learning groups will improve more significantly on spelling tests than students who work individually. Statement of Hypothesis

Urban elementary school in Northeastern Washington, DC.Urban elementary school in Northeastern Washington, DC. Majority of students in the school are of low SES.Majority of students in the school are of low SES. Study will include one (1) combination 2 nd /3 rd grade classroomStudy will include one (1) combination 2 nd /3 rd grade classroom –25 students: Twelve 2 nd graders/ Thirteen 3 rd graders –All but one student is African American Methodology: Participants

Spelling enrichment tasksSpelling enrichment tasks –Created by cooperative teacher and researcher ObservationsObservations –Researcher will observe interactions, behaviors, progress, etc. of students during tasks End of intervention student surveyEnd of intervention student survey –Created by researcher to assess students’ feelings on enrichment tasks and feelings toward working in groups or as individuals Methodology: Instruments

Study will begin with the assignment of students to work in either groups or individuals.Study will begin with the assignment of students to work in either groups or individuals. –Assignments will be made using a random table of numbers. To act as a basis of comparison, the average scores of students’ previous spelling tests will be determined before the intervention takes place.To act as a basis of comparison, the average scores of students’ previous spelling tests will be determined before the intervention takes place. Students will then experience the intervention for a period of 4 weeks. After each week, an assessment will be administered.Students will then experience the intervention for a period of 4 weeks. After each week, an assessment will be administered. Finally, an average of these four assessments will be determined.Finally, an average of these four assessments will be determined. Additionally, students will complete an enrichment activities student survey.Additionally, students will complete an enrichment activities student survey. Methodology: Design

Pre-StudyTreatmentAssessmentPost-Study Mean scores from previous spelling tests without cooperative groups 4 week intervention (4 assessments) Individual work: Control Cooperative group work: Experimental Average of four weekly spelling tests after the onset of the spelling intervention Enrichment Activities Student Survey

Both students in groups and those working as individuals will work on the same enrichment tasks at the same time.Both students in groups and those working as individuals will work on the same enrichment tasks at the same time. –Interventions will run for minutes once per week for a total of four weeks. Throughout the week, students will continue to complete their spelling homework.Throughout the week, students will continue to complete their spelling homework. At the end of each week, students will be assessed on the 20 high frequency words of the week.At the end of each week, students will be assessed on the 20 high frequency words of the week. Methodology: Procedure

1.The researcher and/or teacher will call out a word from the spelling list and have the students locate the correct word in their flash cards. This will allow students to use their knowledge of phonics to identify the correct words even if they can’t quite spell them on their own yet. The students who are in groups will have to hold up one flash card which they have all agreed is correct whereas the individuals will have to choose on their own. 2.Students will create flash cards of each word in their spelling list. Students in the groups will quiz each other using the flash cards and work together to memorize the correct spelling. As for the individuals, they will do the same only by themselves. 3.Students will be asked to identify the number of letters in each word and then break that into the number of vowels and consonants in each word. Spelling Enrichment Tasks

The statistical method that will be used to compare the previous test scores with the post- treatment scores will be an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).The statistical method that will be used to compare the previous test scores with the post- treatment scores will be an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Additionally, survey results will be reported according to the major themes presented in them.Additionally, survey results will be reported according to the major themes presented in them. Methodology: Data Analysis

The study will begin during the second week of my student teaching which is tentatively scheduled for January 2009.The study will begin during the second week of my student teaching which is tentatively scheduled for January The intervention will last four weeks and analysis of the data will be completed promptly after. Final results will be reported within 6-8 weeks of the start of the study.The intervention will last four weeks and analysis of the data will be completed promptly after. Final results will be reported within 6-8 weeks of the start of the study. Methodology: Time Schedule

Cohen, E. (1994). Restructuring the classroom: Conditions for productive small groups. Review of Educational Research, 64(1), 1-35.Cohen, E. (1994). Restructuring the classroom: Conditions for productive small groups. Review of Educational Research, 64(1), Emmer, E., & Gerwels, M. (2002). Cooperative learning in elementary classrooms: Teaching practices and lesson characteristics. Elementary School Journal, 103(1), Emmer, E., & Gerwels, M. (2002). Cooperative learning in elementary classrooms: Teaching practices and lesson characteristics. Elementary School Journal, 103(1), Fore, I., Riser, S., & Boon, R. (2006). Implications of cooperative learning and educational reform for students with mild disabilities. Reading Improvement, 43(1), 3-12.Fore, I., Riser, S., & Boon, R. (2006). Implications of cooperative learning and educational reform for students with mild disabilities. Reading Improvement, 43(1), Gillies, R. M., and Boyle, M. (2008). Teachers' discourse cooperative learning and their perceptions of this pedagogical practice. Teaching and teacher education, 24, Gillies, R. M., and Boyle, M. (2008). Teachers' discourse cooperative learning and their perceptions of this pedagogical practice. Teaching and teacher education, 24, Hijzen, D., Boekaerts, M., and Vedderm P. (2007). Exploring the links between students' engagement in cooperative learning, their goal preferences and appraisals of instructional conditions in the classroom. Learning and instruction, 17, Hijzen, D., Boekaerts, M., and Vedderm P. (2007). Exploring the links between students' engagement in cooperative learning, their goal preferences and appraisals of instructional conditions in the classroom. Learning and instruction, 17, References

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Vaughan, W. (2002). Effects of Cooperative Learning on Achievement and Attitude Among Students of Color. Journal of Educational Research, 95(6), 359.Vaughan, W. (2002). Effects of Cooperative Learning on Achievement and Attitude Among Students of Color. Journal of Educational Research, 95(6), 359. Vygotsky, L. (1978). Interaction between learning and development. Readings on the development of children. New York: Scientific American Books.Vygotsky, L. (1978). Interaction between learning and development. Readings on the development of children. New York: Scientific American Books. Wilson-Jones, L., & Caston, M. (2004, December). Cooperative Learning on Academic Achievement in Elementary African American Males. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 31(4), Wilson-Jones, L., & Caston, M. (2004, December). Cooperative Learning on Academic Achievement in Elementary African American Males. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 31(4), Ref. Cont.