Abstract:

Collaborative learning approach is an instructional paradigm that focuses on student engagement in small group, which enable them to maximize their learning experience. Collaborative learning has been commended for their beneficial outcomes. They have three key characteristics: learners work together to learn in small groups; group members are responsible for each other’s learning and their own learning; and the group’s achievement is considered at least as important as the individual’s achievement.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using cooperative learning approach can somehow or rather to improve acquisition of generic skills among university students. The effect of using cooperative learning in teaching and learning has been positive for all students. In this sense, cooperative learning has been shown to increase retention and boost the performance of at-risk students, improved University student academic performance, promote higher achievement and greater retention than do individualistic learning experience, increases in self-esteem, social acceptance, and teacher ratings of students.

The results of this study give clear indications of students’ views of what collaborative learning skills are considered important by them, as it help them to understand the subject better and have learnt things of real value. They prefer learning in groups and working collaboratively rather working alone and they feel responsible towards their group success.

At a general level, skills related to the productivity of the group were the most prevalent concern, followed by skills related to communication between group members and then skills concerned with relationships within the group. Specifically, the highest concern was for skills related to setting goals and working out strategies for reaching goals. There is a statistically significant improvement in level of generic skill among students after using cooperative learning

In conclusion, cooperative learning is an instructional strategy that not only helps increase students participation in class as they have to work together to complete their assignment, it is also helps to improve students' generic skills

Keywords:

Cooperative learning, generic skills.