Understanding Jigsaw Cooperative Learning: Influence on Scholastic Achievement and Learning Experiences of Students in Mathematics Education

Abstract

Mathematics is a compulsory subject at school level. The performance of students in mathematics is not satisfactory at secondary school level. Some of the factors that are attributed to the unsatisfactory performance include: anxiety and fear towards the subject by students, ineffective instructional methods, class room climate and learning environment which are not supportive for students’ participation. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of cooperative learning strategy in mathematics on students’ performance from positive psychology perspective. In addition to performance this study also sought to find out students perception towards cooperative learning strategy. The sample of the study consisted of 60 students divided in to two groups of 30.In the experimental group cooperative learning strategy was employed while in the controlled group traditional instructional method was used. Scholastic achievement test and Questionnaire on cooperative learning was used to collect the data. Data was analysed by using statistical techniques including “t” test. The study supports the effectiveness of cooperative learning strategy in mathematics education.