FOSTERING SOCIAL SKILLS VIA GROUP WORK IN HIGHER EDUCATION

• О.П. Федоришин

  Rivne State Humanities University

Higher education aims optimal blend of knowledge and skills necessary for human functioning in society. This is why role and importance of active learning is crucial throughout higher education. Active learning involves designing, implementing, maintaining and promoting, within and outside classroom, an environment for learning, through creating opportunities for active engagement with the subject matter. It strives for higher-order thinking and in-depth comprehension of the learner.

The article highlights group (team) work as the most efficient environment in active teaching and learning process and the importance of student and instructor report for a successful learning. Academic group work has notable effects on the development of work-relevant skills and attitudes. It helps learning, helps in the productive use of time and aids learning retention. Positive attitudes toward group work are associated with higher levels of sociability lower levels of social anxiety, stronger mastery of performance goals and higher levels of learning awareness.

• pdf