Effects of co‐operative learning on the mathematics achievement of Years 4 and 5 pupils in Britain: a randomized control trial

Abstract

International comparisons of achievements in mathematics suggest that children in England are under‐achieving in this key subject. Many studies have suggested that co‐operative learning techniques have particular promise in mathematics and may therefore offer a solution to this problem. This article presents the findings of a large‐scale randomized control trial designed to evaluate a co‐operative learning mathematics intervention (based on the Student Teams–Achievement Divisions programme), involving Year 4 and Year 5 pupils in 34 primary schools in England. In contrast to studies conducted elsewhere, this evaluation found no significant improvements in children’s mathematics achievement as a result of the introduction of the co‐operative learning programme. The authors argue that this may be due to limitations of the programme as adapted to the English context but suggest that the study itself demonstrates a willingness by head teachers and schools to participate in adopting innovative interventions.

Keywords:

• co‐operative learning
• primary mathematics achievement
• randomized control trial

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Bowland Trust. We thank Marilyn Jones‐Hill, Peter Hill, and Carolyn Harvey for their assistance with professional development. We also thank Alan Cheung for carrying out the HLM analysis.

Notes

1. The expectation was that by having two year groups and more than one class per year group there would be a sufficient body of teachers implementing the new programme to enable curriculum change to occur in these year groups and also to reduce bias which can occur when only one class within a school is selected for participation.

2. These local authorities were located primarily in the Yorkshire and Humber, North West, East Midlands and Inner London Government Office Regions.

3. For further details of the Fife Peer Learning Project see http://www.fifepeerlearning.org/index.html.