Assessing the Effectiveness of Collaborative Learning in Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Employee Performance Management Education

The Bachelor of Human Resources Management program at Universiti Utara Malaysia aims to equip students with a solid understanding of fundamental knowledge in human Resources management and related business subjects, which is essential for their post-graduation career. However, students often face challenges due to a weak foundation in the basics, resulting in a limited understanding of Employee Performance Management. To address this issue, an action research project spanning two consecutive semesters was conducted to identify the most effective method of enhancing students’ foundational understanding, thereby facilitating their connection to higher-level knowledge. Collaborative learning, introduced through transformative teaching via small group discussions, was selected to enhance the quality of Employee Performance Management education. The outcome revealed that students were more at ease, open-minded, and less stressed when learning with their peers compared to traditional instructor-led methods. Interviews and observations indicated that collaborative learning significantly improved understanding and fostered critical thinking. The developed approach created a more relaxed and conducive learning environment, with evidence of improved training effectiveness reflected in students’ recommendations.