The effectiveness of cooperative learning strategy for mastery in enhancing the skill performance of some gymnastics floor movements

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. In the rapidly evolving field of physical education, employing innovative teaching methods is crucial for enhancing student learning and skill acquisition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a cooperative learning strategy specifically designed to enhance the mastery of gymnastics floor skills among physical education students. Material and Methods. Thirty-six male students from Al al-Bayt University were divided into experimental and control groups using a quasi-experimental design. The control group received standard training, while the experimental group participated in a six-week, twelve-session educational program that employed a cooperative learning technique for skill mastery. The skills evaluated included Shoulder Stand, Front Handspring, Roundoff Back Handspring, and Front Balance. Results. In every evaluated gymnastics floor movement, the experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements. Cooperative learning accounted for 51.8% of the variation in total skill competency, with substantial gains in individual skills: a 31.4% increase in front balance (mean score improved from 0.00 to 4.39), a 17% increase in shoulder stand (mean score improved from 0.06 to 4.67), a 25.2% increase in front handspring (mean score improved from 0.17 to 4.50), and a 41.1% increase in roundoff back handspring (mean score improved from 0.22 to 4.06). The experimental group's total gymnastics skill score was 17.61 (SD = 1.85), significantly higher than the control group's score of 13.50 (SD = 2.23). While the control group also showed improvements in gymnastics skills, the increases were less pronounced, with the roundoff back handspring mean score rising from 0.17 to 2.67 and the front handspring from 0.11 to 3.67. Conclusions. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the benefits of using cooperative learning techniques in physical education, particularly in the context of teaching gymnastics floor routines. Besides significantly advancing skill mastery, this approach fostered a cooperative and supportive learning atmosphere. The effectiveness of the cooperative learning strategy in this context underscores its potential as an innovative teaching technique that can enhance student engagement, and promote a deeper understanding and retention of motor skills. Educators are encouraged to explore and adopt this strategy, extending its benefits to a wider variety of sports disciplines and educational settings, thereby enriching the pedagogical landscape of physical education.