Abstract
D.Ed.
Each student undergoing tuition, is unique and one of a kind. Each student has his
own personality and individuality. Students have different ways of learning; progress
differently and reach different degrees of success with their methods of study. The
success of the student's learning process is closely related to the student's existing
pre-knowledge. The orientation student at the technical college finds himself in a unique situation. As this course is a bridging course, the student must overcome the backlog in his field of study and also be prepared for the studies that will follow. Learning of mathematics is a complex matter. No two answers will correspond if inquiring into the method in which mathematics is mastered. The same is also true if inquiring into the teaching strategies to be followed in order to acquire success in teaching this subject. In this study the theories of Piaget, Bruner, Ausubel among others, were scrutinised.
Numerous teaching strategies can be followed to ensure success in the classroom.
This study concentrates on co-operative learning, since the point of view is held that
it provides the overall framework within which effective tuition can be achieved.
Cooperative learning has been researched by applying it in the mathematics classroom. A very positive response was received from the students as well as the teachers concerned. However, certain problems were experienced. These include, inter alia, that some students found the classroom discipline lacking. Others complained that the lecturers did not do enough explaining.
The following conclusions can be drawn from this study:
Traditionally the classroom is where the lecturer has the sole right to teach. A
change is necessary. New teaching strategies will have to be looked at.
To achieve this change, co-operative learning is strongly recommended. It
provides for active involvement of the student in the learning process; it provides
the opportunity for the student to accept responsibility for his own learning
success as well as that of his fellow students and it provides the opportunity for
mastering social skills which are a necessity for our modern, complex and
integrated society.