Effects of cooperative grouping on stoichiometric problem solving in high school chemistry

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that cooperative groups heterogeneously based on proportional reasoning ability have on problem solving in regular and honors high school chemistry. Students ( n = 178) in three rural high schools solved stoichiometric problems either individually or in cooperative groups using a prescriptive problem‐solving strategy. There was no statistically significant difference in posttest means between students of varying proportional reasoning abilities who had been problem solving individually or in cooperative groups whether in a regular or an honors chemistry class. Characteristics of successful and unsuccessful students problem solving individually and in groups were determined through videotape analyses, students' written work, and classroom observations. Successful problem solvers, both those in groups and those who solved problems individually, were characterized by confidence and persistence and exhibited a strong conceptual base.