Abstract
Purpose: Student centered learning has been deemed to be a catalyst for students to generate knowledge in different disciplines in comparison to lecturer/teacher centered learning process. The main objective of this paper was to observe the collaboration of students towards learning construction technology 3 at a South African University via group work.
Research methodology: Observation was undertaken as a means of gathering data during construction technology group work/assignment presentation. A total of ten groups were formed from the class register. A common group work was posted to the students via their ulink, an online technology for lecturers to communicate academic information with students at this university. The information consisted of students’ instructions, the questions, date and venue for the presentation.
Findings: The students asked questions to the groups that had presented their group work. Furthermore, working in groups led to class involvement of the students.
Limitations: The use of observation in this study was a limitation.
Practical implication: This research study provides the basis of understanding that collaboration via group work would influence the students to be involved in their academic work.
Value: The findings indicate that students were involved in learning as they asked questions after the group discussions. However, the strategy is time consuming especially with large classes.