Cooperative Learning for Youth on the Margins: Community Research Empowering Social Transformation

• In Event: Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Current Research on Cooperative Learning Poster Session

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examined the effectiveness of a cooperatively structured youth participatory action research project—i.e., Community Research Empowering Social Transformation (CREST). Underpinned by the five basic elements of cooperative learning (Johnson & Johnson, 2009), this project involved youth traditionally marginally who were in an alternative high school. Study participants designed and implemented their own community action research examining perceptions of freedom coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Data were collected on (a) youth perceptions of cooperative involvement, (b) use of cooperative skills, and (c) participants’ conceptual understanding of the research process and dimensions of freedom. The pretest-posttest Post-Decision Questionnaire (Johnson & Johnson, 2009) results were statistically significant; qualitative findings revealed positive impact on perceptions and learning.

Authors

• Laurie Stevahn, Seattle University

• Charisse Cowan Pitre, Seattle University