An Action Research On Cooperative Learning In Teaching English Reading In Primary School

Knowledge transmission, skill training and pattern practice feature the traditional reading class, which are all examination-oriented. This single organizational form neglects the students' individuality, limits students' learning practice in English and thus hinders their improvement in language proficiency. English curriculum standards promote the principle of combining English teaching with emotional education, of creating a variety of cooperative learning activities to promote students to learn from and help each other, of encouraging the students to experience the sense of honor and achievement, and of developing students' cooperative spirit. Underpinned by cooperative learning theory and considering characteristics of primary school English teaching practices, the study carried out an action research on group cooperative learning in English reading teaching so as to develop students'awareness and the ability of cooperation, to enhance their learning attitudes and learning behaviors, and to improve their reading skills ultimately.The study reviews the previous researches. As subjects,86 students in Grade 6 from a key primary school in Jiangsu Nanjing attended prior test and post test in ten weeks. The researcher adopted questionnaires, interviews, students' notes, students' diaries, teacher's diaries and so on to collect data. The research results are as follows:(1) Group cooperative learning can improve classroom teaching effect; (2)Group cooperative learning can increase students' interest in reading, develop students' good reading habits, and enhance students' awareness of co-operation; (3) Group cooperative learning can improve students' reading skill and has long-term positive effects on students' English reading skills; and (4) Group cooperative learning has a positive impact on teachers' understanding of the new curriculum standards as well as the role they play in reading teaching.