PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING IN WOLKITE UNIVERSITY, THE CASE OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORAL STUDIES

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the practice and challenges of cooperative learning in wku, the case of college of education and behavioural study, to identify factors affecting the practice and challenges of cooperative learning in wku. To this end mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative approaches) were used to conduct the study. The study was conducted in Wolkite University, college of Education and Behavioural Sciences third year students. Data were collected from 60 students including the group leaders. In the selection of the sample, simple random sampling technique was used. The instruments of data collection were questionnaire, interview and observation. The collected data through close ended questionnaire were analysed using a percentage however data collected through open ended questionnaire; interview and observation were analysed qualitatively by using word explanation. The findings of the study proved that the implementation of cooperative learning was low due to several factors affecting the implementation of cooperative learning , including loafing habit, negative attitude of students towards cooperative learning,, dependency, student boring, lack of mentor commitment/motivation, groups and leaders are not arranged every semester, lack of mentors awareness , lack of mentors awareness, Lack of providing material support Finally, the following recommendations were forwarded, it is important to conduct the collage be Providing material support for groups, Creating awareness for mentors and students is the important one to reduce the challenge of cooperative learning through short term training, Increase the motivation of group leaders through providing short term training or reinforcement, Change group members and leaders semesterly based on their current GPA,“Assigning interested and committed mentors create awareness are some of the recommendations forwarded on this paper