Exploring the effectiveness of a framework using ePortfolio-type learning activities to develop teamwork skills in student engineers

CONTEXT Graduate engineers are expected to possess strong teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills in addition to their capabilities in the technical domain. e-Portfolios are integrated online learning, development and content delivery platforms that are becoming increasingly relevant for developing professional skills in engineering education. e-Portfolio activities, such as goal setting, peer feedback and reflection, have the capacity to facilitate continuous and ongoing development of such skills. PURPOSE OR GOAL This research aims to study how a framework using e-Portfolio-type developmental activities can help student engineers improve and understand the value of teamwork skills. The three main objectives of the study are: to understand how e-Portfolio type activities can help student engineers understand the value of developing teamwork skills; to investigate the effectiveness of these activities and to understand the implementation challenges. APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODS Based on an ethnographic framework, an exploratory mixed methods data collection was used, with 239 first-year engineering students forming the participant group of the study. They participated in a range of e-Portfolio-type teamwork development activities. The data, consisting of artefacts, peer evaluation reports and observations, was analysed using a framework methodology and thematic approach. OUTCOMES Initially the students stated the importance of teamwork skills in attaining good grades, but by the end of semester they placed a greater emphasis on using these skills for improving team relationships and personal growth. Most students stated that they improved their teamwork skills over the semester, a claim supported by the results of their Peer Feedback. However, students were not fully engaged in the class discussions relating to their teamwork skills development over the semester. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARY This study found that peer feedback exchange and reflective activities helped students to understand how they behaved in teams and the impact of their behaviour on their teammates and project outcome. Though e-Portfolio type activities improved students' teamwork skills, the teaching support staff required more guidance in teaching and assisting students through these activities and team development.