Ahmad Tijani Surajudeen

Discussion Method Versus Students'competence in Collaborative Learning: the Role of Halaqah -study Circle- in Developing Learners' Personality Traits and Critical Thinking Skills Ahmad Tijani Surajudeen

The Halaqah is a form of collaborative learning which serves as a Personality Development Programme being coordinated by the Co-Curricular Activity Centre (CCAC), International Islamic University Malaysia. This study identified facilitator-centered as the main problem inhibiting the students? active participation and competency enhancement in the Halaqah. This study investigates the effectiveness of discussion method in fostering critical thinking skills and competence of the students. The quantitative research methodology was used. Sample of one hundred and twenty (120) participants were involved. The descriptive statistics, correlation and ANOVA were used as statistical tools for data analysis. The findings indicated that discussion method was effective in enhancing students? active participation in the collaborative learning. It was also found out that there was no significant difference between respondents?demographic backgrounds,their competencies and positive personality traits in the collaborative learning setting. Therefore,it was recommended that modules, and training of facilitators must be improved in order to cater for the students? skills, personality traits and character.