DEVELOPMENT OF COLLABORATION SKILLS THROUGH WORKING IN AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TEAM

Abstract

The foundation of collaboration is composed of the structural interaction. The skills of collaboration are acquired only during a group work. The field of sports is rich in a potential of group collaboration elements. It is presumed that in a process of development of collaboration skills a tight interaction, positive interdependence should be achieved, skills of joint work developed, direct communication, ability to reflect as well as personal responsibility should he promoted. The aim of the research is to analyze and assess the cooperation skills of students, participating in an international Erasmus IP project by applying the tourism and sports animation program. The following research methods were applied: analysis of scientific literature, semi-structured interview, development project (Erasmus Intensive Program’s (IP) Project “Sport for tourist animation at a seaside resort”, and qualitative data analysis. The research was conducted during the month of January of 2013, using the Skype program. The semi-structured interview had 6 students.  Research results revealed that a favorable environment for cooperative learning was ensured: a positive psychological climate was established which allowed the project participants to develop skills of self-expression (self-confidence, self-esteem, creativity). Students were able to feel psychologically safe, shared their experience, were attentive and friendly, supported, and encouraged each other. They were united by a sense of unity and a common goal. Team based and individual collaboration skills of students were developed throughout all of the tourism and sport related activities. The following skills of students, participating in the Erasmus IP project, were developed: ability to express and accept a verbal and physical emotional support; cooperative learning, listening to others and expression of own ideas; play assigned role; pursue a common goal; be a leader, supervise, organize; actively participate, when activities are organized by others; rate the activities in consideration of their efficiency and values. Results gathered from the interview responses highlighted a specific factor in regards to development of the collaboration skill – a sense of national pride and responsibility for own country and university had influence on students’ sense of responsibility. KEYWORDS: collaboration skills, development, international group, students. DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/ 10.15181//atee.v1i0.1317