Significance of the study

2.2 Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning is an important concept being dealt with in this research. According to Johnson Johnson 1998, Cooperative learning is grouping students together to accomplish shared learning goals. Students work in small groups of three or four to get the most out of their own learning and each other’s learning. They encourage and support each other to learn and are responsible for their own as well as their teammates’ learning. Johnson Johnson 1998 also said that Cooperative learning is a student- centered approach that believes that active learning is more effective than passive one where the teacher becomes a facilitator rather than an instructor. Through cooperative learning, students have to exchange ideas, make plans and propose solutions to accomplish a collaborative goal. Therefore, it can enhance students’ social and personal developments. Kagan 1990 introduced a Co-Op Co-Op Cooperative learning strategy. According to Kagan 1990, ‘ Co-op Co-op is structured to maximize the opportunity for small groups of students to work together to produce a group product and then share this product with the whole class 14:2.’ This will provide opportunities for students to help each other among teams. It also provides students choices for the content they want to study. Co-Op Co-Op is designed to foster students’ self-direction and independence in learning Daniel, Barbara, and Diane,1991.

2.3 Achievement

Achievement is another important concept being dealt with in this research. In this research, achievements can be categorized as achievement in academic performance and social development in acquiring English language by using cooperative learning approach. i Achievement in Academic Performance Achievement in academic performance refers to the positive effects of cooperative learning on academic achievement among the students. It also means that cooperative learning can promote higher academic achievement and greater motivation than individual learning. Students can achieve higher scores on academic examinations such as PMR and SPM. They also have higher proficiency in critical reasoning strategies and abilities. ii Achievement in Social Development Achievement in social development refers to the positive effects of Cooperative learning on social relationships among students in the same group. All students, regardless of their ability levels and social backgrounds have the opportunity to develop positive and productive relationships Slavin, 1985. Positive and productive relationships promote communication and increase the participation of students. It is believed that through this cooperative learning, students can learn from each other and establish closer ties and become more confident.