Cultivating Collaboration: Exploring the “Religious Experience and Spirituality Course” as a Collaborative Learning Space

Abstract

This study investigates how the cultivation of collaborative ability is formed among students enrolled in the Religious Experience and Spirituality Course (REEXECO) at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, Manila, Philippines, emphasizing three critical skill categories: Cognitive and Metacognitive, Social-Emotional, and Practical Skills. Employing the Satisfaction Rate Calculation method, a quantitative assessment, coupled with structured questionnaires, the research systematically evaluates students' satisfaction with eight abilities. Students articulate their agreement on a scale from 0 to 100 percent, thereby highlighting the indispensable role of collaboration in both academic success and personal growth. The findings, derived from 109 completed questionnaires by these students during the first term of the academic year 2023-2024, reveal a high level of satisfaction in critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, effective communication, collaboration, adaptability, and information literacy. These abilities collectively contribute to heightened collaborative learning effectiveness and the creation of a conducive learning environment. The study serves a dual purpose: firstly, how to cultivate a collaborative learning environment, and secondly, how to enhance collaborative ability. This dual focus aligns with the overarching objective of positioning collaboration as a cornerstone for sustainable learning spaces. Consequently, the research contributes significantly to shaping an educational landscape that prioritizes collaboration, fostering not only immediate academic success but also long-term personal development.