How does cooperative learning enhance self-motivation and metacognition of senior form students in learning NSS liberal studiesin a local band 2 secondary school?

Abstract

Liberal Studies has become a core subject of senior form students in the new education system in Hong Kong since 2009. One purpose of the subject is to develop students as life-long learners. To enhance teaching effectiveness and achieve this goal, learning environment is an important element. This study investigated the effects of co-operative learning on Form Four (Grade 10) and Form Five (Grade 11) students’ metacognition and self-motivation towards Liberal Studies. Participants were 245 students from Form Four and Form Five in a local band two secondary school located in Tin Shui Wai. 68 of them were taught by the author with co-operative learning and 177 of them were taught by other teachers with other teaching methods. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and group interviews to assess students’ motivation and abilities of self-directed learning in Liberal Studies among different teaching groups. Results of the study showed that co-operative learning is more likely to enhance students’ motivation and self-regulatory skills in their learning than other teaching methods. However, with limitations, results of this study were not precise enough. It is suggested that further research should be conducted to find a more concrete effects of co-operative learning on students’ metacognition and self-motivation towards Liberal Studies.