TDG – Learning to Collaborate: Promoting Collaborative Problem Solving in Guiding Adolescents in Schools

Abstract

The project’s aims are:

1. To promote collaborative problem-solving competencies among undergraduate studentteachers, with a particular focus on understanding and guiding the personal, social and academic development of adolescents including the gifted and talented;
2. To maximize undergraduate student-teachers’ skills in self-reflection, evaluation, communication, and team-work;
3. To develop problem-based learning and teaching materials for a double module “Understanding and Guiding Adolescent Development” in the full-time BA&BEd(LangEd) year 2 and BEd(LangEd) year 3 programs; and
4. To evaluate undergraduate student-teachers’ responses to and perceptions of collaborative problem-solving learning experiences. The module materials were implemented and then refined in the second semester 2006-2007 and first semester 2007-2008. The post-course survey findings indicated that the students’ feelings about the web-based activities and university-based sessions were varied. Most participants indicated active engagement in learning, but a significant percentage of the students were not confident in engaging in the discussion on the Internet or the activities in class. The participants perceived that the course was effective in enhancing their problem-solving and teamwork skills. In 2008-2009, the teaching and grouping strategies of the course were further refined according to the feedback of the participants.

Deliverables (HKU Portal Login Required)