The effects of Kagan structures on UAE sixth grade students’ performance of reading comprehension: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

This quasi-experimental study aims to find out the effectiveness of using Kagan structures on students’ perception. Two grade six English language classes (experimental/control) with a total of fifty students (n = 50) were included. Both sections were exposed to the same teaching techniques covering the same reading comprehension material. Pre-test and post-test scores were compared to detect significant difference before the intervention (pre-test) and after the intervention (post-test). A questionnaire to reflect the participants’ opinions about the effectiveness of Kagan structure on reading skills was also conducted to see if participants had enjoyed the experience. The results of the study indicated that students in both groups showed learning improvement over the class period of two months. Moreover, Kagan structures had an obvious impact on student performance and perception in reading comprehension.

KEYWORDS:

• Kagan structures
• cooperative learning
• student performance
• UAE grade six

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.