APPLICATION OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING METHOD IN ENTREPRENEURSHIPSTUDIES IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The need to enhance quality teaching and learning in the classroom has led to the discovery of many
teaching methods. In recent times, active teaching and learning have been the main focus. Many active
learning methods have been suggested including the cooperative learning method. This paper provides an
exposition into cooperative learning. It considered how cooperative learning as a method of teaching
could be applied in the teaching of entrepreneurship studies in Nigeria secondary schools. The challenges
and prospects associated with the application of the method in entrepreneurship studies in Nigeria were
also considered. The researcher agreed that cooperative learning improve creative and critical thinking
among the learners, lower levels of anxiety and stress, greater intrinsic motivation to learn and achieve,
greater ability to vie situations from others perspectives, more positive and supportive relationships with
peers, more positive attitude toward subject areas, and higher self-esteem. Based on this, suggestions on
the effective application of cooperative were made among others that the teachers should endeavor to take
more time to prepare students for active learning, the school management should also make necessary
provisions that will motivate the teachers to embark on active learning method.