Effect of Cooperative Learning on Critical Thinking Social Competence and Achievement in Science of Elementary School Students

Abstract

The present study that cooperative learning not only helped in rising the achievement in science but also contributed to critical thinking and social competence. It helped to develop the positive interdependence, face to face interaction, group and individual accountability .It was also influenced that cooperative learning influenced both boys and girls .Boys scored little higher than girls. This research proves that cooperative learning is an effective strategy which not only helps in academic domain but affective and social domain too. It helps in developing the life skills in students which make them fit in the global world .It s the joint efforts of school authorities, teachers, students and their parents can these goals achieved . Findings of this study can help all stakeholders involved in education domain. Present study reveals different effects of Cooperative learning on students. It includes their behavioral aspects as well; changing patterns of family structure are the challenge for new generation. Students need appropriate supervision, healthy interaction, guidance, affection, and parent-child pleasant relationship for the development of healthy social skills. Joint family structure provides all these support to child but nuclear families are lacking in providing such cohesive and interactive environment. Study also suggests that student shows empathy, mutual trust, support and care for all. Thus Cooperative learning is vital for healthy social, psychological, emotional development of students. It can be concluded that cooperative learning lead to values of peace, accountability and responsibility within the students and thus leading to development of nation.Critical thinking involves the integration of capabilities like observation, insight about the concepts from different viewpoints; analysis, reasoning, and decision making. Findings of this investigation revealed that challenge of responsiveness and accountability among students can be eliminate by enhancing teaching through cooperative methods.