Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to assess the cooperative learning practice in secondary school
of ManchoWoreda, Jimma, Ethiopia. To achieve this purposes a descriptive survey research method
was employed. By using purposive sampling and simple random sampling a total of 322 respondents
were selected. The data were collected from different primary and secondary sources of data by
using questionnaire, interview, observation and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed
using percentages, mean and mean average. In addition to this, qualitative data was analyzed by
narration and description in the way it supplement the quantitative analysis. The finding of the study
revealed that cooperative learning is important to improve the academic achievement and social
skills of students. However, cooperative learning practices is not effective in the study area. Lack of
awareness, lack of clear guidelines, lack of motivation, Poor coordination of group member, and
Shortage of time, insufficient support and follow-up from instructors are some of the major problems
hindering the practices of cooperative learning. Based on the findings, it was recommended that
secondary school should have to provide continuous and relevant trainings for both teachers and
students. It was also forwarded that the techniques used in the approach should be diversified rather
than using only group discussion and group assignment in and out-sides of the classroom. It was
also suggested that the secondary school should have to prepare detail and clear guidelines used for
effective implementation of cooperative learning. It was also recommended that secondary school
leaders should have to provide proper follow-up and support to effectively practice cooperative
learning.
