Teacher's Perception on the Effectiveness and Challenges in Using Cooperative Learning in Enhancing Writing Skill

Gomathi Gunasekharan, Hamidah Yamat

Cooperative learning, Primary ESL classroom, Sociocultural theory, Writing skill

This research examines the teacher’s perception on the effectiveness and challenges in using cooperative learning in enhancing writing skill. There are numerous researches on cooperative learning demonstrating the effectiveness, which has led to the incorporation of social skills into mastering writing skills, namely cooperative writing activities. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory supports the claim that social interactions promote learning. While cooperative learning is regarded highly among pedagogical skills that delivers learning experience, it is always considered ineffective. This research tries to shed some light on what the teachers think about these activities and the challenges that comes with it, whether it is an effective model or not. Three samples were chosen from a primary school to be part of this research. Data collection was done through semi-structured interview, observation checklist and observation notes where the teachers’ responses were decoded and analyzed by identifying similar or reoccurring themes. Four themes were identified which were student’s involvement, confidence in writing, development in language skills and creativity in writing. The findings showed teachers have a positive perception on the effectiveness of cooperative learning. The challenges on the other hand are time management and class control.

https://doi.org/10.31871/IJNTR.7.2.10