Antone Michael Goyak. THE EFFECTS OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING
TECHNIQUES ON PERCEIVED CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT AND CRITICAL
THINKING SKILLS OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS. (Under the direction of Dr. Scott
Watson) School of Education, May 2009.
This study analyzed the effects of cooperative learning techniques versus lecture
techniques on the following aspects of a higher education classroom: (a) the perception of
a student’s learning environment and (b) a student’s critical thinking skills. Preservice
teachers at a small Midwest college completed the College and University Classroom
Environment Inventory (CUCEI) and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal,
Form-S (WGCTA-FS). Results revealed significantly higher means in the cooperative
learning group in four of the eight constructs within the CUCEI. Results within the
WGCTA-FS disclosed no significant differences between the means of the two groups.
The outcomes of this study suggest that cooperative learning techniques have merit and
profit in the undergraduate classroom. Suggestions for further research were also
included.Acknowledgments
Many along the path of this journey have faithfully assisted me in getting to this
destination. My initial thanks must be to Dr. Scott Watson, my committee chair, who has
been very encouraging and patient. He has also provided guidance and navigation along
each step of the way. In addition, I would also to express my sincere appreciation to Dr.
Ellen Black and Dr. Jim Bennett for their expertise, direction, and assistance in this
process. I also express gratitude to my sponsoring college, who permitted me to perform
my research in the classroom and greatly supported me in my dissertation process.
My love and affection goes to my faithful bride and best friend, Stefanie Goyak,
who constantly applauded, inspired, and cheered for me, never allowing me to stumble
for too long. In addition, I would like to thank my dear children for their prayers,
understanding, and patience in enduring many weekends without dad around the house. I
would also like to thank my mother for consistently lifting me up in prayer and my dad
for keeping me focused on God’s truth. My gratitude also goes to my in-laws, who have
been so prayerfully supportive of my efforts. Finally, I would like to express my
appreciation to my Sunday school class, who faithfully prayed for me and received many
lessons in class as a result of what God taught me through this journey.
In conclusion, I offer praise and thanksgiving to my Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ, who taught me dependence and a greater love for Him in the midst of challenging
circumstances. In my weakness, He is made strong.