The Effect of Using Cooperative Learning Method on Tenth Grade Students’ Learning Achievement and Attitude towards Biology

The study investigated the effect of using cooperative learning method on tenth grade students' learning achievement in biology and their attitude towards the subject in a Higher Secondary School in Bhutan. The study used a mixed method approach. The quantitative component included an experimental design where cooperative learning was the independent variable while students' test scores and attitude towards biology were the dependent variables. The subjects of the experiment comprised 82 tenth grade students. The qualitative component included students' and teachers' opinions on cooperative learning collected through questionnaires and lesson observation forms. Data were analysed by calculating means, standard deviations and paired samples t-test. The test score analysis showed that the experimental group had significantly higher scores than the control group. The students' attitude analysis showed that their attitude towards biology improved as indicated by the increase in the level of interest, understanding, satisfaction and their assessment of biology as a less difficult subject. It was recommended among others that cooperative learning method can be used in teaching and learning of biology in schools.