Abstract

The purpose of this action research is to improve the achievement of students in general and, to examine the perception of students and teachers about cooperative learning, to identify major factors affecting the implementation of cooperative learning and to identify the possible strategies used to improve cooperative learning in Madawalabu University, School of Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, particularly Department of Natural Resource Management. Descriptive case study design and both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. Quantitative data were collected from 23 students through observation and focus group discussion. In the selection of the sample population, available sampling was employed, and data were analyzed by using percentage, mean grand mean and t-test .The findings of the study revealed that students’ participation was low concerning cooperative learning, and the practice of cooperative learning was challenged by different problems like lack of awareness and motivation both from the side of teachers and students, dependence of lower achievers on higher achievers, unequal sharing of work among group members, inappropriate group organization, uncomfortable seating arrangement of students, insufficient support and follow up from teachers before the implementation of action plan. Nevertheless, by utilizing the proposed actions like creating awareness about the importance of cooperative learning, re-organizing group arrangement, providing different responsibilities for each member of the group and providing the required support for all the groups, there is the improvement on achievement of students. Therefore, cooperative learning can improve the achievement of students if it is conducted in a well-organized way by using different strategies that help learners to take responsibility by themselves.

Key words: Achievements, cooperative learning, improving, students.