The Effects of a Cooperative Physical Education Program on Students’ Social Skills

Abstract

The present study examined the effect of a cooperative physical education program on students’ social skills and attitudes toward group work. Four sixth grade classes were assigned either in an experimental (n = 57) or in a control group (n = 57). The experimental classes received a cooperative learning program. Students completed self- and peer forms of the Multisource Assessment of Children's Social Competence (Junttila, Voeten, Kaukiainen, & Vauras, 2006) and the Feelings Toward Group Work scales (Cantwell & Andrews, 2002) before and after the program. Results showed gains of the experimental classes on social skills and on preferences for group work.