Effects of Cooperative Tutoring on Academic Performance

Abstract

Experimental subjects were assigned to study in groups based on their cognitive style as measured by the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT). Whyte, Knirk, Casey and Willard found that when computer-based instruction is used, enhanced academic performance resulted from cooperative learning groups consisting of field independent and mixed (field independent, field dependent) students [1]. However, they found that lower academic performance results from learning groups consisting only of field dependent learners. In another study Dwyer and Moore reported that field independent students performed more efficiently on a series of visually and verbally oriented tests than did field department subjects [2]. Experimental subjects scoring above average on the GEFT were designated field independent. Subjects scoring below the GEFT mean were identified as field dependent. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups (field independent, field dependent, and mixed, i.e., both field independent and field dependent). A group of controls received the identical instruction as that of the experimental students but did not participate in any cooperative tutoring. Instead, control group subjects were directed to study independently. Experimental and control student performance was compared on a series of multiple choice exams. Results indicated enhanced performance for the peer tutoring subjects. There was no evidence of improved performance resulting from group assignment based on cognitive style.