Co-operative learning in the teaching of mapwork to geography students in tertiary education

Abstract

This study investigates the use of co-operative learning in the teaching of mapwork to Geography students in tertiary education. Diverse methods of teaching Geography mapwork and also theories of learning that are relevant to the teaching of mapwork are discussed. Co-operative learning, and how it can be employed in the teaching of mapwork is fully explained. The study revealed that co-operative learning method can help students to achieve higher marks in mapwork. It is an instructional method that uses small groups of students working together to meet educational goals. The approach relies on interaction and interdependence and thus is especially suited to higher level conceptual tasks requiring problem-solving and decision-making.