The Effects of Reward Structure in Cooperative Learning Strategies Applied to Elementary School Science Class

초등학교 과학 수업에 적용한 협동학습 전략에서 보상구조의 효과

Although the reward based on group accomplishment in cooperative learning has a merit to emphasize interdependency, it may have some undesirable side effects such as free rider effect and sucker effect. For the purpose of reducing these side effects, this study examined how the adjustment of the reward structure affected the scholastic achievement, the perception of learning environments, and the attitude toward science class by adding individual reward to group reward. We selected 2 classes of sixth grade in an elementary school, and taught on oxygen and carbon dioxide for 13 class hours in cooperative learning strategies. Group reward was applied to one class, and both group and individual rewards were applied to the other class. Analysis of the results indicated that the achievement scores of the students under the group and individual rewards were significantly higher than those under the group reward. In addition, they had more difficulty in science class and felt less satisfied. The upper level students under the group and individual rewards were also found to exhibit more competition. Educational implications were discussed.