Maximizing Engagement and Academic Performance of Grade 3 Learners Through Cooperative Learning in International Schools in Myanmar

This study assessed cooperative learning implementation in international schools in Myanmar and examined its relationship with Grade 3 learners’ engagement and academic performance. It determined the profile of Grade 3 teachers, the level of collaborative learning implementation, the levels of learner engagement and academic performance, and the significant relationships among these variables. The study used a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design and collected data from 50 Grade 3 teachers using a questionnaire. Findings revealed that collaborative learning practices were highly implemented (grand mean = 4.62), with interpersonal and collaborative skills receiving the highest rating (4.69). Grade 3 learners were highly engaged (grand mean = 4.29), and their academic performance was high (grand mean = 4.16). Emotional engagement obtained the highest rating (4.42), while conceptual understanding ranked highest among academic performance dimensions (4.24). A strong, statistically significant relationship was found between collaborative learning implementation and learner engagement (r = .642, p = .001), while a moderate, positive, and statistically significant relationship existed between collaborative learning implementation and academic performance (r = .482, p = .001). The study found no significant relationship between collaborative learning implementation and teacher profile variables. The study proposed a capacity-building program to sustain collaborative learning practices and strengthen learner engagement and academic performance.