Voices from Freshmen in Cooperative Learning Classrooms

The study investigates college freshmen’s experience and beliefs about cooperative learning in their classrooms. Data were collected through a questionnaire, an interview and the researcher’s journal. One hundred thirty-four students taking the same general English course participated in the study. They are satisfied with cooperative learning in general. They believe group work makes the class less boring and also agree that it is a good way to promote participation in class. They express difficulties in choosing a leader in the group work activities and informal grouping is considered acceptable. Less than 3 members to form a group is advisable in college classrooms. The study also reveals that learning activity for group work deserves more attention than any cooperative learning practitioners have realized. Discussions are included based on the findings.