Cooperative learning in higher education: An experience in learning gymnastic skills

The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of cooperative learning as an efficient training method for learning an acrobatic gymnastic skill within the European Space for Higher Education. The sample was made up of 45 participants of both sexes, students of the Sports Faculty of the University of Granada ( Spain), divided into three experimental groups of 45 students each. The independent variable was the methodological model employed for learning the skill. We used three intervention models: a) traditional instructive learning without using an observation grid for group A; b) cooperative learning with an observation grid for evaluating performance for group B; c) cooperative learning with an observation grid for evaluating both performance and the correct way to manually assist them for group C. The results showed significant pre-posttest improvement in the three groups. However, the strategies employed by groups B and C with cooperative learning proved more efficient; though group C using observation grids for performance and physical help was the most efficient, with significant statistical differences.