Using collaborative learning exercises to transfer pervasive skills: some South African evidence

Abstract

Globally, academics have adapted their teaching methods to more active methods, such as collaborative learning exercises. Research provides evidence of the value of collaborative learning exercises in the development of pervasive skills. The objective of this paper is to examine the use of collaborative learning exercises by academics in South Africa (SA) – a developing country – and to obtain their views on the effectiveness of this method in transferring pervasive skills to students. An electronically administered questionnaire was sent to accounting academics working at universities accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. The findings of this paper reveal a gap between the use of collaborative learning exercises by SA academics compared to that globally. This gap can be attributed to a lack of awareness by SA academics of the competencies that can be developed using collaborative learning exercises, or the application of alternative teaching methods.