OMANI SCIENCE TEACHERS USE OF COOPERATIVE WORK IN BASIC EDUCATION SCHOOLS

The aim of this study is to explore the use of cooperative work by science teachers. Quasi-experimental research design was used. This study was carried out in academic year of 2010-2011 at Basic Education schools in Oman. The sample consisted of 25, male (N=12) and female (N=13) science teachers working in 5 Basic Education schools. A 4-point of 39 statement scale observation checklist was developed to find out the extent to which teachers were applying collaborative work effectively. Findings reveal that teachers either followed the traditional seating arrangements, or just placing students in groups without any cooperative learning strategies. Findings also indicated no statistically significant difference due to the teacher's gender in the way collaborative work is applied in co-schools.