Social Networks, Group Cohesion & Collaborative Learning : A Case Study of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Training Institute

Abstract:

The study examines the role of social networks’ in collaborative group working within a blended setting. Lingua Franca, Pakistan, an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) training institute, has been investigated as a case study for the aforementioned research question. Focus groups consisting of the institute’s students and training staff were solicited for primary data collection. Theories of learning, social comparison, social exchange and connectivism theory provided the theoretical understanding for the study along with relevant extant literature. Content analysis has been used to analyze and interpret the data. The findings shed light on the myriad yet significant role social networks play in enhancing collaborative group work through their inherent interactive and dynamic features, which unlocks opportunities for self-validation, self-improvement and self-development. The study thus opens new avenues of research into this less studied area of social networks and collaborative group working with respect to learning