This study investigated the impact of cooperative learning on Iranian high schoolEFL learners’ critical thinking and motivation. To this end, 142 EFL students were selected based on their performance on the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT), and divided into two heterogeneous experimental groups (EG) receiving treatment through STAD model of cooperative learning, and two control groups (CG) without any treatment. To recognize the entry behaviors of the participants, pretests were run. Then, the same educational content was taught to both groups during an educational term. Furthermore, in order to disclose the effect of treatment, a critical thinking post-test similar to the pretest but in rearranged order in options and items, and a motivation post-test were administered at the end of the instruction. The results obtained from the statistical analysis of the scores showed that cooperative learning has a significant effect on the critical thinking and motivation of the participants. The findings of the study are beneficial for EFL learners to improve their small group capabilities. Manuscript profile

This quasi-experimental study investigated the impact of cooperative learning on Iranian secondary school EFL learners’ Autonomy and attitude. To achieve the purpose of the study, 142 EFL students were selected based on their performance on the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). The students were divided into an experimental group receiving treatment through the STAD model of cooperative learning and a control group devoid of the stated treatment. To recognize the entry behaviors of the participants, pretests were run. The same educational content was taught to both EG and CG during an educational term. Furthermore, to disclose the effect of treatment, an autonomy posttest similar to the pretest but in rearranged order in options and items, and also an attitude posttest with the same characteristics were administered to the students in both groups at the end of the instruction. Moreover, the mean scores of autonomy and attitude questionnaires were compared via a one-way ANCOVA, and chi-square respectively. The outcomes showed the rejection of both null hypotheses consequently concluding that cooperative learning had a significant effect on the autonomy and attitude of Iranian EFL learners. Manuscript profile

This study was an endeavor to investigate the impact of Student Team Achievement Divisions (STAD) on Iranian secondary school EFL learners’ overall achievements and creativity. To fulfill the purpose of the study, 142 EFL students were selected based on their performance on the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). The students were divided into experimental groups receiving treatment through the STAD model of cooperative learning and the control group devoid of the stated treatment. To recognize the entry behavior pretests were run. The same educational content was taught to both EG and CG during an educational term. To disclose the effect of treatment, a creativity posttest similar to pretest but in reshuffled order in options and items, and also an achievement posttest within the content taught were administered to the students in both groups at the end of the instruction. Furthermore, the mean scores of achievement and creativity tests were compared through an independent samples t-test, and one-way ANCOVA respectively. The outcomes showed the rejection of the both null hypothesis consequently concluding that cooperative learning had a significant effect on the overall achievement of Iranian EFL learners, and creativity. Manuscript profile