This study, which investigates ways to enhance students' creative writing skills in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) writing task, utilised a mixed method design. It comprised two phases: Phase One consisted of an experimental group who was given a writing pre-test before playing the game Figure it Out! four times with only one level of game cards. The group then attempted a written post-test. The students showed a marginal improvement in their performance; pre-test =11.5172 (m) and post-test =12.3966 (m). These students in the structured interview expressed joy playing the game despite finding it somewhat challenging due to insufficient exposure to creative language expressions. Phase Two consisted of experimental and control groups. This phase incorporated three different levels of game cards. The students in the experimental group had the opportunity to play all three levels of the game. Students in both groups sat for the pre-and post-tests and participated in the written task individually or in small groups. Creative language expressions were taught in a conventional classroom setting for the students in the control group. The students from the experimental group, however, played Figure it Out! six times. The results indicated that both groups improved in their post-test scores; the control group scored average means of 16.1471 in the pre-test and 17.8095 in the post-test. However, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the post-test (M=18.5294), p+.000 compared to the pre-test (M=16.1471). The students in the experimental group shared that the game (Figure it Out!) provided them the opportunity to use creative language expressions in the right context and setting.
Collaborative skills have been perceived as the most important skills by learners, instructors, and employers alike in comparison to communication and entrepreneurial skills. Despite its significant role in the workplace, many find that working together with others may complicate tasks due to limited background knowledge and problems with social dynamics. There has not been a single assessment created to assess online collaboration as an integrated performance during group-based tasks. The present study, therefore, attempts to examine learners’ online collaborative performance and the dimensions contributing to effective online collaboration at the tertiary level. A mixed-method research design was adopted using surveys and interviews. A number of 508 undergraduates from local universities were given a questionnaire inquiring about their online collaborative behaviour in group work, while 30 of them were interviewed. The findings indicated that the communication tools and technological facilities category were rated the highest in online collaborative performance, whereas sharing responsibilities was rated the highest in team dynamics. There was also a significant correlation between online collaborative performance and team dynamics. Interview responses showed that learners agreed that good communication, clear goals, and team commitment were important elements for successful online collaboration. Despite the potential to enhance students’ online collaborative performance, collaborative learning is demanding for learners and educators alike.
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