Collaborative Learning in Engineering Education: Fostering 21st-Century Skills

This study examines the impact of active and collaborative pedagogies on developing 21st-century skills in engineering students. A structured instructional sequence based on cooperative learning was implemented to enhance communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Standardized assessments, including the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), the CHAC Questionnaire, and the ACOES Questionnaire, demonstrated gains in conceptual understanding and interpersonal skills. However, despite developing strong collaborative abilities, students rated the value of teamwork lower (M = 3.3), indicating a disconnect between skill acquisition and its perceived relevance. The findings also emphasize responsibility, equity, trust, and commitment as key factors in effective collaboration. Peer evaluation, role rotation, and formative feedback can enhance participation equity and teamwork perception. This study highlights the potential of active methodologies in globalized, multidisciplinary engineering education and suggests areas for instructional improvement. Future research should explore their adaptation to diverse educational settings and integration with traditional instruction for a broader impact.