Sample Study, Learn In A Cooperative Manner

In this study, the effects of two learning-from-example styles , cooperative learning and traditional learning, on problem solving were examined. In order to discover the process and mechanism of learning-from-example in a cooperative way the conversations videotaped in cooperative learning were also analyzed . The results have shown:1. As a whole, cooperative and traditional learning styles lead to significant performance difference on both near-transfer and far-transfer problems. Cooperative learning style produces better performance than the traditional one does.2. On near-transfer problems, there is no significant performance difference in the groups of above-average and average students respectfully in experiment and control conditions. However, for below-average students cooperative learning-from-example is more effective.3. On far-transfer problems, there is no significant performance difference in the groups of average and below-average students respectfully in experiment and control conditions. However, for above-average students cooperative learning-from-example is more effective.4. Cooperative arguments which lead to responses from members play a critic role in the whole process of learning from examples. They are mainly initiated by the group leader.5. Actions led by the cooperative arguments can be divided into five categories, that is, searching for information, exchanging answers, exchanging procedures and principles of problem solving, thinking, associating learned knowledge.6. The first two kinds of arguments didn't produced new ideas. The third and fourth kinds account for 70% of all, and together with the last kind, these three kinds of cooperative arguments encourage the students to deep process examples. As a result, new ideas and integrated understanding are achieved.7. It is a common phenomenon that some members cannot answer the questions raised in the discussion. This phenomenon encourages students to deep process examples. At the same time knowledge flaws can be discovered and made up shortly.8. The personality of members influence their initiative of taking part in the discussion, group leaders should balance the participation of members on purpose..