Abstract: The thesis aims to investigate the effectiveness of cooperative learning through the research on English class’s cooperative learning (CL) of Grade 2 students in Nanjing Tianjingshan Middle School. According to their language proficiency, students were divided into A-level students (most proficient), B-level students (in-between) and C-level students (least proficient). It was found that their average scores increased with level-A and level-C students making more progress after one-term implementation of CL; Level-A students took leadership in groups ,and level-C students were more willing to express their ideas, compared with their performance when CL was not carried out; students’ overall attitudes toward CL are positive. In conclusion, CL can be effectively implemented in English classes.

Key words: English class, cooperative learning, effectiveness

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.1

2. Literature Review..1

2.1 Definition of Cooperative Learning

2.2 Theoretical Framework

2.3 Related Research at Home and Abroad

3.Research Methodology and Procedures.3

3.1 Research Questions

3.2 Participants

3.3 Instruments

3.4 Data Collection

3.5 Data Analysis

4. Findings and Discussion5

4.1 Comparison of students’ English Grades

4.2 Features of Interaction in Cooperative Learning Groups 

4.3 Students’ Opinions and of Cooperative Learning

5.Conclusion9

Bibliography . 10

Appendix.11

Acknowledgements.12