Collaborative Learning Environment in Higher Education: A Case Study

摘要

This article seeks to present a case study regarding collaborative learning (CL) in a higher education environment. CL is an approach of teaching and learning where students at a various performance levels work together in small groups with the aim to solve a problem. With CL students developing not only higher-level thinking skills, but also enhancing the soft skills, such as oral communication, social interaction, among others. Currently, the labour market demands professionals with transversal abilities. In this context, the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria changed the curriculum of Web and Multimedia Development (DWM) technological course to create a collaborative learning environment. The process stated on the 2017/2018 scholar year. The results show that students working in a collaborative environment are more motivated and committed. Furthermore, the importance of real projects and the contact with clients were highlighted during the study.