THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GROUP WORK AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES IN FIFTH GRADE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

This study examined whether group work and peer social interaction relate to better learning outcomes in fifth-grade students at a school in Indonesia. Researchers surveyed 104 students using questionnaires and found a strong positive relationship between group work practices and students' thematic learning outcomes. The research suggests that collaborative learning strategies may help improve academic performance in elementary school children.

Key points

• Strong positive correlation (0.620) found between group work and thematic learning outcomes
• Study population of 139 students, sample of 104 used for analysis
• Research focused on addressing low learning outcomes in grade V students
• Data collected through valid and reliable Likert-scale questionnaires
• Peer social interaction included as a factor alongside group work

Limitations

This is a correlational study that cannot establish causation; it cannot tell us whether group work causes better learning or if students who learn better happen to engage more in group work. The study does not describe what types of group work or how group work was implemented, limiting understanding of how to replicate these findings.