Effectiveness of Cooperative Learning Approach to Teaching Plane Trigonometry

Abstract

Cooperative learning is an approach that develops unity and cooperation andimproves the classroom activities in organized academic and social experiences.The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cooperativelearning as an approach to teaching mathematics. This quasi-experimentalstudy involved the BSCS I-A and 1B students, the first section assigned to theexperimental group (cooperative learning) and the second section assigned tothe control group (lecture-discussion). The study started with the administrationof pre-achievement and pre-attitude tests and ended with the administration ofpost-achievement and post-attitude tests. The instruments used to gather datawere the achievement test and standardized attitude inventory test. The scoreswere compared and the mean difference was determined using t-test. Findingsreveal that cooperative learning improved students’ achievement in mathematics.Those exposed to cooperative learning performed better than those exposed to lecture-discussion. Moreover, cooperative learning positively influenced students’ attitude towards mathematics. Therefore, cooperative learning should be usedso as to develop a more enjoyable learning environment for both students andteacher.Keywords: Mathematics, plane trigonometry, cooperative learning, quasi-experimentaldesign, Philippines