Opportunities and Challenges of Collaborative Learning Activities in the New TVET program: the Case of St. Mary’s University College

Abstract

As per the Higher Education Proclamation of Ethiopia (2003) teaching is required to be student-centred and practice-oriented through hands-on training at different levels of the higher education program. In this regard, collaborative learning activities have become important instructional strategies in many colleges and universities across the country. The objectives of this study are two fold: 1) assessing opportunities and challenges of collaborative learning activities in the new TVET program based on the perception of students and 2) examining the impact of personality styles and group dynamics on the perception of students about collaborative learning. Using questionnaires administered to a total of 116 randomly selected students of the extension division at St. Mary’s University College, primary data were analyzed using different statistical techniques such as frequencies, descriptive, Chi-Square and ANOVA. Results suggest that not only is a collaborative learning activity important for the students’ personal development, but also vital for their professional career. At its weakest, however, collaborative learning activity is subject to slacking-a situation of idling and a short-cut and easy access to better marks, which not only lowers the enthusiasm of diligent students but also impedes collaborative learning activities from achieving their goals. This suggests that instructors should avoid lenience in forming the appropriate grouping type beforehand. They should also consistently follow up their students and employ fair evaluation scheme for group projects. Last but not least, findings of this study suggest that encouraging positive collaborative learning experiences through team learning methods (such as effective communication activities, process learning exercises and graded feedback) is essential in order to attain the best out of collaborative learning activities.