A Study Of Application Of Cooperative Learning Approach To Grammar Instructions For Students Of A Vocational College

In the present study, the author intends to employ Cooperative Learning Approach in teaching of English grammar in a vocational college and examine the effects of Cooperative Learning Approach on students’achievements and attitudes towards this approach. The author chose82students from two classes in a vocational college named Wuhan Engineering Institute. The experiment was carried out from April2011to June2011, lasting for nearly2months with Cooperative Learning Approach applied to an experimental class while traditional teacher-fronted method applied to a control class. Three instruments were used for data collection, namely, examination, questionnaires, and interviews to investigate students’ needs, attitudes and effectiveness of Cooperative Learning Approach.The results of the study indicate that there are some differences between the control class and the experimental one but not very statistically significant. As for the students’attitudes towards Cooperative Learning Approach, according to the results of the questionnaires and the interview conducted in the experiment, the overall performances of the students in the experimental class was improved, especially reflected in the following aspects:1) The students are likely to do some preparation for their study and willing to present their own opinions in group discussion. They may enjoy arguing and sharing their ideas with others.2) When they are confronted with difficulties in learning of English, most of the students may ask for help from their teachers or peers. They will not study alone. They believe that teachers or peers may give the precious information they need and help them to solve the problems in their study.3) Most of the students prefer to discuss with others after the experiment. They were happy to talk with others, and share what they knew with their peers.4) The majority of the students may find that it is good to study cooperatively. They might know how to cooperate with their classmates and are likely to do cooperation with others in their further study.5) After the experiment, the students were able to think about the process of their learning under the instruction of their teachers. By introspection, their further study would be promoted.In the end, the author proposes some limitations existed in the present study and provided some valuable suggestions for further study in the future.