Students' views of cooperative learning and group testing.
BACKGROUND
Today's radiologic technology students must learn to collaborate and communicate to function as part of the health care team. Innovative educational techniques such as cooperative learning (working collectively in small groups) and group testing (collaborating on tests) can foster these skills.


OBJECTIVE
Assess students' familiarity with and opinions about cooperative learning and group testing before and after participation in a semester-long course incorporating these methods.


METHODS
Twenty-eight students enrolled in a baccalaureate-level radiologic technology program in Louisiana were surveyed at the beginning and end of the semester.


RESULTS
Results showed that students were more knowledgeable about and more accepting of cooperative learning and group testing after participating in the course. However, some students continued to prefer independent learning.


CONCLUSIONS
Students are open to new learning methods such as cooperative learning and group testing. These techniques can help them develop the skills they will need to function collaboratively in the workplace.
Hicks
Jay
J
Department of Radiologic Technology, University of Louisiana, Monroe, Louisiana, USA.
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000193:education*