academic learning strategies

First year students must participate in group work in order to build on strategies to help with their transition into University. Students must contribute to group work so that they can develop a deeper level of communication with others and a better understanding of their own values and beliefs. This will strongly impact on a student’s likeliness to succeed in their first year of University. This essay will argue that group work improves a student’s self-confidence and their ability to perform tasks. It will then explain how group work will enhance a student’s critical thinking and listening skills. It will discuss the importance of students learning how to communicate effectively with others in a multicultural environment. It then will explain the importance of students enhancing their leadership skills through group work. Finally, it will discuss how group work will enhance a student’s conflict resolution skills.

It is argued that group work helps students to develop self-confidence. Many first year students tend to segregate themselves from discussions due to lack of self-confidence. According to Mercer (2011 p. 14) A students self-confidence is based on the judgement that one makes of their actual and perceived capabilities to communicate and perform tasks effectively. Therefore, it is imperative that students build on their self confidence in order to be able to send and receive clear, accurate and useful information that is relevant to the group discussion (Brilhart & Galanes, 1997 p. 51). This will help students to receive clarification from other group members and give them the confidence to participate effectively in group work. Johnson and Johnson (2009, p. 73) argues that “Working cooperatively with peers, and valuing cooperation, results in greater psychological health, higher self-esteem, and greater social competencies than does competing with peers or working independently.” Therefore, it is very important that students participate in group