Is Group Work an Effective Method to Promote Learning Outcomes in Universities?

Yutaka Kurihara

Aichi University

It has often been said that group work is one of the representative effective methods to promote learning outcomes not only in primary and secondary education, but also in higher education. In recent years in Japan, group work has been embraced as part of the term ‘active learning’ and has been blindly praised and encouraged. In my classes, many assignments employing group work have been performed not only in large size classes but also in small size classes. Almost all research has provided positive evidence from the view of theoretical and empirical aspects of group work. However, skepticism and negativity towards group work are also emerging. Even if group work is not rejected outright, at the very least, opportunities to discuss effective methods of group work are increasing. This study focuses on the two issues mentioned above, motivation and gender difference. Group work has the advantage of allowing learners to listen to the ideas of others, compare them with their own, and form their own opinions. It may also have the benefit of cultivating communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others. However, conducting it within a limited time frame carries risks. There is also the possibility that it may have a negative effect on learning outcomes, or at least not bring about the expected benefits. Furthermore, learners may be aware of the limitations of group work.

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/EQRarchives/is-group-work-an-effective-method-to-promote-learning-outcomes-in-universities%3F