Collaborative learning in English for specific purposes courses: Effectiveness and students’ attitudes towards it

Abstract

Despite the popularity of collaborative learning and its effectiveness on school students’ learning and their classroom interaction, there is a little empirical research of its effectiveness on university students. Aware of the importance of collaborative learning in preparing students for the workplace (Beckman, 1990), the researcher implements this teaching approach in two English for specific purposes (ESP) courses at a private Lebanese English-speaking university. However, a lot of her students are reluctant to work collaboratively. Therefore, the aim of this research study is twofold: to investigate (1) the effectiveness of using collaborative learning on (a) university students’ learning as well as (b) their acquisition of essential skills required in the workplace and (2) students’ attitudes towards working collaboratively. The researcher employs a qualitative approach and uses an instrumental case study as the strategy of inquiry to get rich, in-depth data. The researcher uses different data-collection methods: a self-completion questionnaire, focus groups and semi-structured telephone interviews. The data are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Appropriate recommendations are suggested both to increase the effectiveness of collaborative learning in these courses and enhance students’ attitudes towards it.