An investigation of the effect of cooperative learning on attitude toward in-service programs for biology and chemistry teachers in Knox County, Tennessee

Author

Robert A. Core

Date of Award

8-1991

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Education

Major Professor

A. Paul Wishart

Committee Members

James D. Caponetti, Robert K. Roney, Wilber S. Slawson

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a cooperative learning in-service program and determine its effectiveness in promoting a positive gain in attitude toward in-service programs. Hypotheses were formulated and tested. There were two distinct populations for the study: All the biology teachers and all the chemistry teachers from the Knox County School System in Tennessee. All teachers were given a pre-treatment survey in order to obtain baseline data. Participation in the cooperative learning in-service programs was voluntary. Participants and non-participants were compared to each other and to the baseline data for the combined and individual populations. Teaching experience was also examined as a possible factor for positive attitude gain. Data for the study were gathered by the use of an adaptation of Jensen's Teacher In-Service Education Inventory, which served as the pre/post-treatment survey instrument. The data were tabulated and analyzed through the use of the SAS computer program. The primary analyses techniques used were means and standard deviations. An open-ended question on the survey allowed for expression of opinion. Analysis of the pre/post-treatment results indicated that the use of a cooperative learning in-service program resulted in positive gains in attitude toward in-service for the participants of both populations of biology and chemistry teachers. Post-treatment comparisons between participants and non-participants demonstrated that a more positive attitude was achieved by the participants in each discipline and combination of disciplines. Teaching experience was not a determining factor in gain of positive attitude for either population.

Recommended Citation

Core, Robert A., "An investigation of the effect of cooperative learning on attitude toward in-service programs for biology and chemistry teachers in Knox County, Tennessee. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 1991.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/11082