Jackson A., Kutnick, P. & Kington A. (2001). Principles and Practical Grouping for the Use of Drill and Practice Programs. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 17, 130-141.

What was/were the research question(s) in the article?

Previous studies have found that children, especially in the lower years of the primary school, engage in very little computer-based problem solving, and simple practice and puzzle exercises predominate. The authors in a previous study demonstrated that infant school children working alone performed better than single sex pairs matched for ability. However, the question still remains with within drill and practice tasks, as why do individuals perform better than pairs?

Was the literature review relevant to the research question(s)?

The literature review was not extensive, but it did provide information from both sides of the spectrum about the topic of whether young students learn more by working in pairs or by themselves. The authors' cite Cummings, Light, Crook, and Wegerif & Mercer who support the use of computers as providing the context for genuine group discussion leading to cognitive and social skills' enhancement. However, the authors' also include Boydell and Galton's suggestion that task appropriateness, task structure, whether groups focus on specific tasks in hand and whether children's discussion facilitates task performance can affect a students' learning. (i.e. learning in pairs on the computer may not be the best way for children to learn based on the given task).

What was the methodology used and was it sound?

This study was conducted with 46 girls and 41 boys between the ages of 5 and 6 in British primary schools in late spring and early summer terms.

The design of the study was as follows:

Each pupil took an individual, pencil and paper pre-test and post-test, which was comprised of 10 addition sums that had a total of 10 or less. A week following the pre-test, the children were assigned to one of the follow conditions:

1. individual - children work alone at a computer
2. pairs - children work together (single sex) at one computer
3. control - no computer task, pencil and paper used to complete task

The children were videotaped while they worked at the computer in a quiet room.

What were the results?

Were the conclusions consistent with the methodology and results?

When comparing the pairs to individuals, the individuals always performed better (as stated in other similar studies). The control group almost performed just as well as the individuals. The authors conclude that individuals (in this age group) talked less and were more task-focused than pairs, but still took the same amount of time to complete the task. This is presumed that individuals engaged in more thinking time. The children in pairs were more likely to talk about non tasks during a drill and practice task, therefore this leads to ineffective activities and fewer correct answers. These observations helps to answer the authors earlier question of why do students in this age group perform better by themselves than in pairs.

What interested you most about the article? What questions did it raise?

 Although the authors were only testing if the students performed better in pairs or individually for test-like questions, it is important to note that other skills may be enhanced when students work in pairs, such as improved social skills form when working in pairs.