Impact of group development knowledge on students' perceived confidence and importance of group work skills through a service-learning project

This study explored the impact of emphasis on the group development process, as developed by Tuckman and Jensen (1977), on the perceived importance of and confidence in group work skills, as well as students perception of group work use in the collegiate classroom. The purposive sample utilized in this study included 33 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory leadership and service course at a southern, land-grant institution. Knowledge of the group development process enhanced students perceived importance and confidence in group work skills, and positively impacted students perception of group work in the college classroom. The importance of group work skills continues to be reflective of the demand from employers; educators must continue to develop these transferable skills in todays students.