The extent to which cooperative learning as outcomes-based education methodology, has affected social interaction among learners in the foundation phase in Thabong schools

Abstract

The aim of the study is to establish the extent to which cooperative learning, as Outcomes-Based Education methodology, has influenced the social interaction of learners in the Foundation Phase in Thabong schools. The researcher wants to establish the effect of cooperative learning on the social interaction of learners. The researcher also wants to determine the degree of influence that cooperative learning has on the social interaction of learners. To achieve the above aims, the researcher used qualitative research as the research methodology. Qualitative. research is preferred because it is useful for describing the perspective of research participants towards events, beliefs, or practices. The research tools that are used are interviews and observation which help investigate behaviour as it occurs naturally in non-contrived situations. The findings of this research are that cooperative learning enables learners to attend to their school work whilst they interact socially. Cooperative learning also enhances leadership qualities because cooperative groups have leaders and scribes. The relationships of groups are also characterised by conflict and harmony which are attributes of normal social interactions.