Effective Management Plan of Group Activities in College Liberal Arts Classes

Abstract

In the 2010s, universities recognized the limitations of lecture-oriented teaching methods and are expanding the educational method in which students actively participate in learning. Although the educational effects of small group activities such as improving one’s communication ability, one’s problem-solving ability, and one’s interpersonal competency have been proven, learners have many complaints about such teaching methods. This study intends to investigate how learners perceive group activities that are conducted in parallel with the class and to find ways to effectively operate group activities in college liberal arts classes. To this end, this study conducted a survey on how group activities are perceived by students who took the liberal arts classes as <Thought and Expression> courses in S University. According to the survey, students recognize that group activities are necessary but are reluctant to do small group activities because of the burden of carrying out a class assignment while communicating with unfamiliar schoolmates, as well as the anxiety they feel about having to work with schoolmates that are not diligent. Therefore, this study suggests that we strengthen the motivation for group activities, to reinforce the function of peer evaluation, and to provide effective feedback as professors regarding group activities as ways to effectively operate small group activities in college liberal arts classes. Through these methods, it is expected that students will be able to reduce their negative perception of group activities, recognize the meaning and value of collaboration, and be able to achieve learning effects such as improving their communication and problem-solving abilities.