EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF GROUP WORK IN CHINESE COURSES

Abstract

This study explores the application of group work in Chinese language courses by employing Tuckman's group development model in four stages—Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing. A survey was conducted involving 350 undergraduate students enrolled in elementary Chinese courses at a public university in Malaysia. The study aimed to examine the influence of each group development stage on student interaction and learning outcomes. The findings showed that although students demonstrated clear organization during the initial stage, they still faced challenges in trust and cooperation. As the group work progressed, students exhibited improved communication, collaboration, and task achievement. Overall, the study indicated that structured group work could enhance student engagement, academic performance, and the development of essential soft skills. This study offers valuable insights for improving Chinese language instruction through collaborative learning methods.

Keywords: Group Work, Tuckman’s Model of Group Development, Chinese Language difficulties, Chinese Language Teaching