Exploring the use of group work to improve concept understanding in a communications module

Abstract

The study explored the use of group work to develop a deeper understanding of non-verbal communication concept. The population was first year students at a private Higher Education Institution (HEI) in South Africa enrolled for an interpersonal communication module as part of a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communication. Data was gathered using a questionnaire. Respondents indicated that group discussions improved their understanding of non-verbal communication although they cited group work dynamics challenges. The study proved that cooperative learning, group work in particular, has positive lifelong learning experience and improved concept understanding of complex and challenging tasks. This study was limited to a population of 20 students and no generalisations from the results were made