The implementation of cooperative methods in higher education

Abstract

The general problems of the Hungarian education system surface in the higher education sphere as well. Instructors frequently note the knowledge, skill, and competence-related deficiencies of newly enrolled students. Additional difficulties are posed by the lack of motivation or the low level of interest toward learning. Furthermore, the prevalence of traditional educational methods, the lectures designed for a large student audience and similarly structured seminars tend to exacerbate the problem. Students do not prepare for classes or strive to increase their knowledge via independent work and active in-class participation. Consequently new methods are needed for increasing the efficiency of the educational process, along with the enhancement of internal motivation and the promotion of subject-related interest.