1. EDU 555
Assignment : Article Review
Promoting Cooperative Learning in Science and Mathematics
Education: A Malaysian Perspective
Prepared by: Nur Fitrieyana Binti Yusop
2013143117
Ed 248 4A
Prepared for: En. Mohamad Hisyam Ismail.
2. SUMMARY
“Collaboration operates through a process in which the successful intellectual
achievements of one person arouse the intellectual passions and enthusiasms of others.”
Alexander von Humboldt, naturalist and explorer of 18th
and 19th
centuries. According to
Effandi Zakaria and Zanaton Ikhsan, 19 November 2006. Their research on Promoting
Cooperative Learning in Science and Mathematics Education: A Malaysian Perspective. This
journal is about how Cooperative Learning contributes in educational instruction in Malaysia as
an alternative to traditional method.
As the writer stress on the need to make a reform is based on the result of TIMSS
assessment on 2003. The writers found that the results of TIMSS assessment are based on the
traditional instruction practices in classroom. Where in traditional instruction, student is a
dependent learner and one way communication of teaching and learning. On this journal, the
writers give their ideas based on how cooperative learning as an alternative to traditional method,
what the expected educational outcomes and the challenges on implementing the cooperative
learning.
As the conclusion from the three main idea that have been wrote by the writers, they see
the potential of cooperative learning as the alternative to traditional method can give a lot of
benefits due to student achievement in education. Based on the cooperative learning method of
teaching, they have a several type of cooperative learning model that may fulfill the goals of
cooperative learning that parallel to the need in education outcomes. As theoretical, this method
seems like a perfect way in improving student achievement, but it may have a weakness that
cannot cure the entire problem in education, but it may serve as an alternative in instruction.
3. COMMENTS / OPINION
Before I go to the comments and opinion parts, I would like to express my point of view
on this article that I agree with the research that have been done by Effandi Zakaria and Zanaton
Ikhsan, Based on my reading on several article, journal, and newspaper that related to my article
review topic, I may come out with four possible point to support my opinion. The point tht will
take a look is: a) the usage of cooperative learning as an alternative to traditional method, b) the
effectiveness of cooperative learning in completing academic task, c) the expected to educational
outcomes and d) a challenge in implementing cooperative learning.
Most of the educational instructions in secondary school are based on the Teacher-
Centered learning. On the Teacher-Centered learning, teacher may dominate the class activity by
delivering the lesson in front of the class while the student is a passive learner at their seat. On
the other words, this type of instruction was called as one way communication. In order to
enhancing student conceptual understanding, student should be more active in their learning.
There is the need where the Teacher-Centered approach need to shift to Student-Centered
approach.
As the mention on first point to be discussed, it is about the usage of cooperative learning
as an alternative to traditional method. Regarding to the article of Teacher-Centered Versus
Student-Centered Teaching Style, this article are identify the difference in both of teaching style.
Base on my opinion lies on this article, I agree that teaching style is most significantly related to
student achievement. As mention by Landry, Saulnier, and Wagner (2008), Learner-Centered
approach contributed to the construction of educational activities and provided for greater
student leaning and a more authentic student assessment.
4. On the effectiveness of cooperative learning in completing academic task, I choose the
article of Cooperative Learning More Working in Science Classroom as my references. As my
opinion on the overall of this article, the cooperative learning way of learning may give an
impact on student develop their understanding, skills, attitudes and value from small group
learning. On this conduction of classroom management, students are working in a small group
between two to four people where the teacher acts as an instructor. Student may involve in
interchanging the idea in completing the task. And here how the students learn actively.
Referring to the Expected to Educational Outcomes by Using The Cooperative Learning
Method journal, I come out with several opinion where student are expected to help each other to
find the answer to the question rather than seeking answer from instructor. Since they are place
together with different level strength of student, they may work cooperatively and help the other
that are low in the group. Also on cooperative learning method may enhance students in
achievement, problem solving skills, attitudes and inculcate value that are appropriate to their
life as student and for their future.
On my last opinion may lies on the challenge in implementing the cooperative learning.
Regarding to the article of The Innovation Process of the Teaching Method Might Be Hindered
by Several Factor since this method is new to our education system. And the difficulties are
found to face by the teacher especially where the teacher need to prepare an extra material for
class use, fear lost on content coverage, do not trust student in acquiring knowledge by them,
lack of familiarity with cooperative learning method and student lack the skills to work in group.
All of this happen because of the traditional method are already exist long time ago in our
education system.
5. CONCLUSION
As a conclusion regarding to Promoting Cooperative Learning in Science & Mathematics
Education, it can be discuss in four major point which is the usage of cooperative learning as an
alternative to traditional method, the effectiveness of cooperative leaning in completing
academic task, the expected to educational outcome and a challenge in implementing cooperative
learning. In order to improve student achievement in conceptual understanding, process skills,
problem solving skills, positive attitudes and values, it should have a transformation in the
teaching and learning process.
As an example of the cooperative learning method than can be implement are Jigsaw
Classroom, Student Teams-Achievement Divisions, and Teams-Games-Tournament. But to
make this change totally successful in our educational system in Malaysia, it should have a lot of
improvement in their implementing on our educational system. Although cooperative learning
cannot cure all the problems faced by teacher in teaching and learning in science and
mathematics, it may serve as an alternative to traditional method of teaching. To make this
teaching strategy accepted in all level in education system, it should be implement by stage. At
the same time, it will make an improvement on the implementation.
6. REFERENCES
Ahmed, K. A. (2013). Teacher-centered versus learner -centered teaching style. Journal of
Global Business Management, 9(1), 22-34. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.ezaccess.library.uitm.edu.my/docview/1440572253?accountid
=42518
Effendi. Z & Zanaton. I. (2006). Promoting Cooperative Learning in Science and Mathematics
Education: A Malaysian Perspective. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science &
Technology Education, 2007, 3(1), 35-39. Retrieved from
http://www.ejmste.com/v3n1/EJMSTEv3n1_Zakaria&Iksan.pdf
Hsiung, C. (2012). The effectiveness of cooperative learning. Journal of Engineering Education,
101(1), 119-137. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.ezaccess.library.uitm.edu.my/docview/1014006079?accountid
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Johnson, R.T., & Johnson, D. W. (1986). Cooperative Learning in the Science
Classroom.Science and children, 24, 31-32.Retrieved from
http://www.pdst.ie/sites/default/files/Cooperative%20education%20D%26R%20Johnson.
pdf
7. Pescarmona, I. (2011). Working on cooperative learning: Challenges in implementing a new
Strategy. International Journal of Pedagogies & Learning, 6(3), 167-174. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.ezaccess.library.uitm.edu.my/docview/1022045431?accountid
=42518
Yamarik, S. (2007). Does cooperative learning improve student learning outcomes? Journal of
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