THE PRACTICE OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the practice of cooperative learning: challenges and opportunities. The study was conducted at Kulkual General Primary School in Bahir Dar town. The participants of the study were 109 8th-grade students, 8 teachers, and 1 school principal. Both the school and the grade level were selected purposely. A descriptive research design was used to conduct this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire, focus group discussion, and classroom observation. While the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the qualitative data were analyzed by thematic narration. The findings of the study revealed that cooperative learning was not implemented in line with its basic principles. Lack of awareness, classroom environment, and large class size were mentioned as the main challenges to practicing cooperative learning. Giving continuous training, conducting classroom supervision, and sharing well-done experiences have been forwarded as recommendations.