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The implementation of the Group Investigation technique at the lesson of History in the 6th grade of Primary School (Master thesis)

Χατζηαναστασίου, Μαρία-Ελένη/ Chatzianastasiou, Maria-Eleni

This paper aims to explore changes in behavior and interaction among students during the course of History lesson with the Group Investigation method. The method was introduced in 1976 by Sharan & Sharan as "small group teaching" and in 1980 Sharan & Lazarowitz gave it its present form. Group Investigation encourages students to collaborate and explore the topic they are interested in, earning far more benefits than individual work. This research was carried out at the 18th Primary School of Xanthi, in the sixth grade, after a teacher's short training program had been done. The method chosen for the realization of the research is qualitative, because its object was attitudes and behaviors, reason and actions, limited number of subjects (students and teachers), during the course of History with the Group Investigation method. In particular, this is a case study, of a particular classroom, designed to outline a teaching-learning situation. For data collection, observation forms, research diary, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were designed and used. The results of the collaborative method Group Investigation showed, in line with previous research data, its positive contribution to the development of social interactions, collaborative and communicative skills of students, as they cultivated problem solving or difficulties in working groups, and have greatly enhanced their positive interdependence, individual responsibility and self-confidence.