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Rowan University

Individual learning versus group learning in a suburban second-grade classroom

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>There has been a great debate about which learning style is the best for all students. Some propose that individual learning situations enhance the education a student is receiving. However, perhaps a group learning environment would help inclusion and special education students, as well as their average or above average peers. Research indicates that there are benefits and drawbacks to each different teaching style. The present study investigated the difference between group and individual learning styles and their impact on students' individual academic scores. A single second-grade classroom containing many types of students was manipulated and observed. For eight weeks the teacher taught science either individually as a lecture-based instruction, or cooperatively as students worked together in groups. Individual grades on weekly tests were analyzed using a T-test. Results indicated a significant difference in students' grades between the two conditions. Furthermore, the group learning condition yielded better grades than did the individual learning condition, with a mean difference of approximately fifteen percentage points.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
M.A. in School Psychology
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Educational Services and Leadership
Year dc:date.available
2004

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Grimm, Devonn
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Klanderman, John
  • Dihoff, Roberta

Subjects

dc:subject × 2

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/1156
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-2156

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Rowan University
Base URL
rdw.rowan.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Grimm, Devonn. Individual learning versus group learning in a suburban second-grade classroom. Thesis thesis, 2004. https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/1156