The Relationship between Collaborative Learning and Communication Skills among High School Students: The Moderating Role of Student Engagement

This study examines the moderating role of student engagement in the relationship between collaborative learning and communication skill development among high school students in Anhui Province, China. Communication skills – a core component of soft skills – are crucial for success in the 21st-century workforce. In response to calls for education to foster these skills, collaborative learning has emerged as a student-centered approach that may enhance students' communication abilities. A cross-sectional survey of 172 high school students who have experienced collaborative learning activities was conducted. Data analysis using SPSS revealed that positive perceptions of collaborative learning are significantly associated with improved communication skills. Moreover, student engagement amplifies this positive effect, indicating a significant moderating influence. These findings highlight the importance of creating engaging, collaborative learning environments to maximize students' communication skill development. The study offers practical insights for educators and policymakers on integrating collaborative learning and strategies to boost student engagement in high school curricula, as well as recommendations for future research to build on these results.