Perspective Taking and Profiles of Cooperative Behaviors in Primary Education: Cooperative Learning Processes and Outcomes

• In Event: New Developments in Cooperative Learning

Abstract

Many primary school teachers implement cooperative learning activities on a daily base. One of the black box mechanisms underlying effective interaction could be perspective taking. In the present study, the relationship between different types of perspective taking abilities and cooperative behavior is investigated. In addition, it is investigated if we can discern profiles of cooperative behaviors. 120 fifth-grade students participated in this study. Our results show that four distinct profiles of cooperative behaviors can be discerned: Captains, switchers, hard workers, and free-riders. Moreover, two perspective taking variables (differentiating emotions and bodily awareness) positively predict individual learning outcomes. This suggests that social perspective taking, and in specific recognition and comprehension of emotions, plays a role in the effectiveness of cooperative learning.

Authors

• Nadira Saab, Leiden University

• Jolien Mouw

• Hannie Gijlers, Universiteit Twente

• Marian Hickendorff

• Paul van den Broek, Leiden University