Coccari , Diane. “We Want to Work With Our Friends.” 156-169. http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/abstracts/63.pdf
Research Problem:
The research problem occurred in one of the classes of the author when she saw the same grouping of students always partnered together. She also noticed that it would be the same collection of students participating and sharing their ideas during classroom discussions. The author noticed these problems in her class which consisted of ten students who were recent immigrants; 12 Caucasian students, one African boy; two African American-Caucasian biracial students, four Hmong students, two Cambodian students, one Laotian boy, one Vietnamese girl, and one Honduran girl which created a lot of separation in the class.
Research Questions:
The author questioned how can she increase participation in all-class discussions by those less willing to risk and share. Additionally, the author wondered how she could help the students in her classroom feel comfortable working with diverse groupings of classmates and their desire to always be with their friends.
Data Collection Procedure:
The author performed an experiment where she provided and made different variety of cooperative groupings and class formations. She made videotapes of cooperative group activities and also took notes about the outcomes of the cooperative groups. She also provided evaluations for the students about class participation and working with partners. As the last part of the study she conducted parent conferences.
Findings:
The research showed that the students still wanted to work with their friends and line up in the same order as they had previously done. However, with male dominance, the unsafe feeling that was present in the classroom in the beginning of the year went away. As far as cooperative groups, the students became able to work well together as a whole group. When looking at all class participation, the results showed that some students participated more in front of the class, while others were still reluctant to come and share in front of the class. Lastly, even though academic achievement was not one of the author’s initial questions, the research suggests that their scores went up, only by a little bit.
