University Students' Perceptions of Cooperative Learning: Implications for Administrators and Instructors

Abstract

This study looked at college students' perceptions of cooperative learning techniques and their perceptions of cooperative learning as a motivator to studying and whether it was effective for their learning. The purpose was to investigate how the students view the method and techniques as a way for faculty to learn what may be more motivating. It was also to determine if the students reported studying more, if they were more motivated to study, and whether they found cooperative learning to be effective. Results were contradictory with positive evaluations of specific techniques and less than positive evaluations of cooperative learning in general. This suggests that universities and colleges might need to enable a paradigm shift in student expectations of college learning if active learning techniques are to be encouraged, rather than the traditional passive learning often associated with the college classroom.