Challenges and Student-Proposed Solutions in Developing Collaborative Competence in High School Biology: A Study in Can Tho, Vietnam

Abstract

This qualitative survey explored the challenges faced by 1,373 high school students in Can Tho City during group work in Biology classes, their resolution strategies, and their proposed improvements. From 671 valid responses identifying difficulties, the most prevalent issues included disagreements in opinions (29.06%), unequal task distribution and responsibility (24.29%), and communication barriers (16.69%). Among these, 213 students suggested solutions, most commonly through discussion and active listening (38.50%). Regarding enhancement proposals, 356 valid responses emphasised improving instructional content and methods through practical experiments and technology integration (13.77%). The findings indicate a strong need for structured group protocols, teacher facilitation, and resource enhancement to foster collaborative competence. Recommendations include integrating cooperative learning models into the curriculum, providing targeted teacher training, and building students’ collaborative skills to optimise group-based learning in Vietnamese high school Biology education.