The effects of cooperative learning on social interactions and attitudes toward English class in at-risk students

This research study examined the effects of cooperative learning methods on social interactions and attitudes toward English class in 18 at-risk high school students enrolled in a small alternative education program located on a college campus. The findings suggested cooperative learning methods increased students\u27 positive social interactions, increased students\u27 reported number of friends, and decreased students\u27 cut classes. Although no significant difference in overall mean was found on the attitude toward English class survey, students\u27 dislike for participating in class discussions decreased measurably. The implications for this study are such that cooperative learning methods can be effectively used with at-risk teens to improve social interactions with peers and some attitudes toward English class