Enhancing Students’ Academic Performance through Advance Organizers in a Cooperative Learning Classroom at a Senior High School in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Abstract

This study was about enhancing students’ academic performance through the use of advance
organisers in a cooperative learning classroom at a senior high school in the Ashanti Region of
Ghana. The study employed an action-research design. A General Art Form 3 class, consisting of 44
students, at Adugyama Senior High School was selected using convenience sampling. The study
utilised pre- and post-tests, weekly exercises and observation checklists as sources of data. The
data gathered was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study's findings revealed a significant
enhancement in students’ academic performance. This improvement was attributed to the
effectiveness of the instructional strategy, leading to increased skill demonstration, active student
participation, improved learning and retention and an overall elevation in academic success. Based
on the findings, the study recommends the integration of advance organisers in cooperative
learning classrooms to improve the academic performance.