ERIC Number: EJ878826
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8259
EISSN: N/A
Investigating the Impact of Mediated Learning Experiences on Cooperative Peer Communication during Group Initiatives
White, Robert; Dinos, Sokratis
Journal of Experiential Education, v32 n3 p226-238 2010
This study investigates how structured Mediated Learning Experiences may improve peer-cooperative communication within problem-solving task exercises. Two groups (n = 22) of Year 8 students (mean age 13 +/- 5 months) were randomly selected to participate in this study. The study began with two one-hour sessions of activity-based problem-solving tasks for the control and experimental groups. These sessions were coded for on and off-task communication. The experimental group then participated in a Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) focusing on building trust, effective communication and pro-social behaviour. Following the MLE, a one-hour problem-solving exercise for the collection of data related to on- and off-task communication was conducted for both the control and experimental groups. Results demonstrate that cooperative group on-task communication can be effectively influenced, both intra-group and inter-group, implying that the success associated with cooperative learning may be enhanced by first teaching students how to cooperate. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Peer Relationship, Interpersonal Communication, Grade 8, Trust (Psychology), Prosocial Behavior, Cooperation, Cooperative Learning, Problem Solving, Learning Experience, Teaching Methods, Group Activities, Foreign Countries
Association for Experiential Education. 3775 Iris Avenue Suite 4, Boulder, CO 80301. Tel: 866-522-8337; Fax: 303-440-9581; e-mail: publications@aee.org; Web site: http://www.aee.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A