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VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES -------- PHAM VAN CUONG ADAPTATION TO GROUP WORK IN CREDIT-BASED LEARNING SYSTEM OF ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES



PHAM VAN CUONG

ADAPTATION TO GROUP WORK IN CREDIT-BASED LEARNING SYSTEM OF ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS

IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS REGION

Major : Psychology Code : 9.31.04.01

SUMMARY OF THE THESIS

HANOI, 2019

The work was completed at GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Scientific Supervisor: Prof PhD Tran Huu Luyen

Reviewer 1: Prof PhD Nguyen Huu Thu

Reviewer 2: Assoc.Prof.Dr Phan Trong Ngo

Reviewer 3: Assoc.Prof.Dr Tran Hoang Thi Diem Ngoc

The dissertation will be defended before the thesis review council of the Academy at the Graduate Academy of Social Sciences

at hour minute, day month year.

The thesis can be found at:

- National Library of Vietnam

- Library of Graduate Academy of Social Sciences

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INTRODUCTION

1 The urgency of the study

1.1 Adaptation plays an important role in human psychological life and activities Adaptation helps people increase work and learning efficiency; overcome difficulties and obstacles in life to achieve success

1.2 In our country, there are currently few studies on the adaptability of ethnic minority students (EMS) to learning activities Through a survey of research in the field of psychology, direct research on this field is limited Group work in current credit-based training has become a regular, compulsory task in all modules to promote the activeness and initiative of learners Only when fully performing this task will learners accumulate enough points in the learning process When adapting to group work students will form many important learning skills such as collaborative learning skills, presentation skills, skills in finding learning materials, etc

1.3 Through the reality of teaching in the Northern mountainous region today, we find that to conduct effective group work, each student must be active and responsible However, EMS’ psychological characteristics are timid communication, self-deprecating and passive Therefore, when conducting group work at university, many EMS cannot adapt to the learning method As a result, their learning outcomes are not good, many areas of self-study knowledge are empty, failing to meet the output standards of universities From the above theoretical and practical bases, we chose: "Adaptation to group work in credit-based learning system of ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous region" as our research topic

2 Research aims and tasks

2.1 Research aims

Investigate the theory and situation of the adaptation level to the credit-based learning system of ethnic minority students from the Northern mountainous areas, the factors affecting this process; propose solutions for some typical cases to better adapt to group work

2.2 Research tasks

- Generalize the domestic and worldwide research related to the adaptation

to group work under the credit-based system of ethnic minority students

- Develop a theoretical basis of the adaptation to group work under the credit-based system of ethnic minority students, for example, defining the concepts: Adaptation, adaptation to group work, adaptation to group work in credit-based system, adaptation to group work in credit-based system of ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous region; point out the adaptive

- Propose and clarify the effectiveness of a number of measures to improve the level of adaptation to group work in credit-based system for some typical cases of ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous area

3 Subject and scope of the study

3.1 Subject of the study

Manifestations and degrees of adaptation to group work in credit-based system

of ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous region

3.2 Scope of the study

- About the object and the research area:

+ Main research objects: 410 students of ethnic minorities in the Northern mountainous area

+ Additional research objects: 40 lecturers in the northern mountainous area The thesis conducts research only on ethnic minority students who are studying from the first year to the third year at 2 universities in the Northern mountainous region: University of Education - Thai Nguyen University (UE - TNU) and Tan Trao University - Tuyen Quang

- About the content of the study: The thesis only studies the adaptation to the component activities of group work under the credit-based system, namely: Adapting to group forming activity; Adapting to the division of learning responsibilities; Adapting to discussing; Adapting to testing and evaluating

4 Methodology and research methods

4.1 Methodology: The research is carried out on the basis of some following

basic methodological principles of psychology: Principle of activity approach; Principle of interdisciplinary science appoach; Principle of unifying psychology, consciousness with behavior and activity

4.2 Research method: We use the following basic research methods: Method

of studying documents; Method of investigation by questionnaire; Observation; Conversation; Investigation of products; Case study; Experimental method; Mathematical statistical method

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5 New contributions of the thesis

5.1 New contributions to reasoning

The results of theoretical research on adaptation to group work under the based system of ethnic minority students are as follows:

credit Generalize the research directions on adapting to group work under domestic and foreign credit-based systems

- Develop a system of basic concepts; Point out four contents of adaptation to group work; Develop two criteria to measure adaptation (changeability, efficiency) and degree of adaptation (3 levels), as well as subjective and objective factors affecting adaptation

5.2 New contributions to practice

The results of practical research have clarified the situation of the degree of adaptation to group work under the credit-based system of ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous region, namely:

Investigate the current status of adaptation to group work under the based system of EMS, the most influential factor to adaptation to group work

credit-of EMS; pedagogical measures to improve the level credit-of adaptation to group work under the credit-based system of EMS

6 Theoretical and practical significance of the thesis

- Theoretical significance of the thesis: These results contribute to clarifying the theory of psychology on adaptation, especially adapting to group work under the credit-based system of EMS

- Practical significance of the thesis: The above research results can be used as reference for managers, teachers and students of universities and colleges with EMS

7 Structure of the thesis

In addition to the Introduction; Conclusions and recommendations; List of published articles; List of references; Appendix, the thesis includes 4 chapters:

Chapter 1 OVERVIEW RESEARCH ON ADAPTATION OF ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS

TO GROUP WORK IN CREDIT-BASED LEARNING SYSTEM 1.1 A brief history of research issue

Through the study of research works in the world and through an overview of the research directions in Vietnam, we found that the research works on each independent area such as: research on adaptation to learning activities; research

on adaptation to learning activities under the credit-based system of students; research on group work, collaborative learning, etc have appeared quite a lot However, the research on ethnic minority students is still quite limited, especially the study of adaptation of EMS to group work and cooperative

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learning is much less common This is also the reason why we chose:

"Adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work under credit-based

learning system in the northern mountainous region" as our research topic

Summary of chapter 1

Through abroad research works, we found that the research direction

on adapting to learning activities or research on group teaching and learning activities in high schools and universities has been interested and widely implemented These works gave us a more general overview of aspects of learning adaptation, especially, research projects that are associated with practical conditions of each region and locality The social and psychological aspects of social groups have also been studied in all research directions on adaptation to learning activities These studies have led us to conducting regional studies in Vietnam, more specifically, in the northern mountainous area where we work, on less studied social groups such as EMS

Through research works in Vietnam, we found that there are very few studies on adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work, especially studies on adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in highlands, and remote areas Ethnic minority students are considered to be specially disadvantaged group in universities in the northern mountainous region in the cause of educational reform Basing on these facts, we selected the topic:

"Adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in credit-based learning system in the northern mountainous region"

Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Adaptation

2.1.1 Definition of adaptation: From the analysis of different concepts of

adaptation, the author understands this term as follows: Adaptation is a change

in awareness, attitude and behavior to make activities effective under newly

defined conditions

2.1.2 Characteristics of adaptation: Approaching the research works of

psychologists on adaptation, we found that adaptation has some basic characteristics: following a process; positivity and changeability; effectiveness

2.1.3 Types of adaptation: When reviewing literature, we found that

adaptation is divided into three categories as follows: Biological adaptation; Psychological adaptation; Psycho-social adaptation

2.2 Adaptation to group work

2.2.1 Group: A group is a community of two or more people, interacting,

inter-influencing and sharing the same purpose

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2.2.2 Learning activities

2.2.2.1 Definition of learning activity

Learning activity is a purposeful activity of the subject to comprehend knowledge, skills and techniques of the human being crystallized in the social culture, turning them into their own knowledge so that it can be applied to reality, serving life and perfecting their personality

2.2.2.2 Learning activity of students

From the goal of higher education, from the requirements of the society, in addition to the characteristics of general learning activity, learning activity of students also has the following outstanding features: professional oriented; of research nature; stressful intellectual activity; high intellectual independence

2.2.3 Group work activity

On the basis of inheriting the above-mentioned concepts of group work, in this thesis, we use the concept: Group work is to gather individuals with the same purpose into learning groups, in which, there are activities of coordinating, sharing responsibility, exchanging, testing and evaluating, helping members to comprehend knowledge, forming skills and techniques

2.2.4 Definition of adaptation to group work activity

Adapting to group work activity is to change perceptions, attitudes and behaviors towards the organization of coordination, sharing of responsibilities, exchange and testing and evaluation of the contents of the modules through which subject’s knowledge is comprehend, forming corresponding skills and techniques

2.3 Adaptation to group work in credit-based learning system

2.3.1 Credit-based learning system

2.3.1.1 Definition of credit

Currently most researchers in our country define credit based on the terms in the Regulation 43 on credit-based training issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, accordingly: "Credit is known as the unit used to calculate students' learning volumes ”

2.3.1.2 Differences between yearly training and credit-based training

The data in Table 2.1 shows basic differences between the two modes of training Being allowed to teach in both training modes, we found that each one has its own advantages and disadvantages The above comparison does not aim

to see which mode is better, a good training mode must also match the physiological characteristics of students according to region and ethnicity; and socio-economic conditions in each historical period

2.3.2 Differences between group work in yearly training and in credit-based training system

Between these two training modes, there are some outstanding differences: characteristics of group work; features of group work; role and importance of group work; content and method of implementation; assessing learning outcomes,

specific results in Table 2.2 (thesis)

2.3.3 The concept of group work in credit-based training system

Group work in credit-based training is an organization of students with the same purpose of learning into groups in which there are activities namely setting up learning groups, dividing learning responsibilities, conduct discussions and testing and evaluating together to help students acquire knowledge in specific modules and forming corresponding skills and techniques

2.3.4 Adaptation to group work in credit-based training system

Adapting to group work activity in credit-based training system is to change perceptions, attitudes and behaviors towards the organization of coordination, sharing of responsibilities, exchange and testing and evaluation of the contents

of the modules through which subject’s knowledge is comprehend, forming corresponding skills and techniques

2.4 Adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the credit-based training system in the northern mountainous region

2.4.1 Psychological characteristics of ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous region

2.4.1.1 Students and ethnic minority students

The concept of ethnic minority students in the thesis is perceived as Vietnamese students of ethnic groups with a smaller proportion compared to the Kinh people, recognized by the Vietnamese State as ethnic minorities These students are currently studying at universities and colleges in Vietnam

2.4.1.2 Psychological characteristics of ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous region

Advantages:

Regarding cognitive activities, due to living in geographical areas with large space, much contact with nature, their sensitive awareness develops quite well In terms of personality, honesty, straightforwardness, simplicity, courage,

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and clear distinction between love and hate can clearly be seen as prominent features in the emotional life of EMS In community and social relations, they honor the right, straightforwardness, honesty, high self-esteem, easy to believe others and have absolute belief Another trait that is also noticeable in ethnic students is the innocence, feeling, and high excitement that make them very enthusiastic with such activities as sports, arts and working … These activities attract students to integrate into the group

- Limited features:

Attention does not develop on purpose, the ability to maintain attention is unstable in activities, especially in-class activities In learning activities they often fit in with specific visual thinking, abstract thinking has many limitations Positivity in communication of ethnic minority students also reveals limitations For ethnic minority students, the official language ability is more limited because they have to remember many different languages such as: ethnic minority languages, Kinh language, and English Low self-esteem is a common personality in EM students

2.4.2 The concept of adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the credit-based training system in the northern mountainous region

Adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work activities in the based training system is the change of awareness, attitude and behavior of students from ethnic groups with little population towards grouping, division of responsibilities, discussions and testing together on the content of the module

credit-so that the acquisition of knowledge, skills and techniques takes place

effectively in group learning activities

2.4.3 Manifestations of adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work

in the credit-based training system

Based on the manifestations of adaptation to group work in the credit-based training system, the requirements of group work in the credit-based training system, the criteria to evaluate adaptation that the thesis chose, the practice of organizing group work activities, we developed the manifestations of

adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the system of based training in the Northern mountainous area in terms of specific

credit-perceptions, attitudes and behaviors: Manifestations of adaptation to group work in credit-based training system in terms of perception; Manifestations of adaptation to group work in credit-based training system in terms of attitudes; Manifestations of adaptation to group work in credit-based training system in

terms of behaviors

From research and analysis of theoretical basis, especially investigation of the characteristics of adaptation by previous domestic and foreign researchers, we think that to evaluate adaptation, there are many criteria, but if we use too many criteria, the measurement is more overlapping and difficult Therefore, in the thesis, we use 2 most basic criteria: changeability and effectiveness

2.4.4.2 The level of adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the credit-based training system in the northern mountainous region

The level of adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the credit-based training system in the northern mountainous region

behaviors

Little results in terms of

behavior

2 Moderate

awareness; positive changes in

behavior

Acceptable results in terms of

behavior

3 High

Many changes in awareness, extremely positive attitudes, clear changes in behavior

Great results in terms of

Level 2: The group of ethnic minority students who are moderately adaptive to group work activities is students with a total score in the range of: GPA - SD to GPA + SD

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Level 3: The group of ethnic minority students who are highly adaptable to group work activities is students with a total score greater than GPA + SD

2.5 Some factors affecting adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the credit-based training system in the northern

mountainous region

There are many different subjective and objective factors affecting

adaptation to group work in credit-based training system In this study we addressed 6 basic factors: group work excitement, group work motivation, group work method, group work skill, regulations and requirements of group work, relationship with academic advisors

Summary of Chapter 2

Chapter 2 focuses on building a theoretical basis for the study of

adaptation to group work in the credit-based training system by ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous region, clarifying the practical research problem of the thesis From there, we identified specific manifestations of adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the credit-based

training system in terms of: awareness, attitude and behavior Two criteria were built to assess adaptation to group work namely changeability and effectiveness and levels of adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the credit-based training system in the northern mountainous area Adaptation of ethnic minority students to group work in the credit-based training system in the northern mountainous area depends on many factors: subjective factors

(Excitement with group work; group work motivation; group work method; group work skill) and objective factors (Requirements, regulations of group work; Relationship with academic advisors)

Chapter 3 RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION AND METHODS 3.1 Research implementation

3.1.1 Area and object of research

- Research area: Study in 02 universities in the northern mountainous region namely University of Education (Thai Nguyen University) and Tan Trao University (Tuyen Quang)

- Research object: 410 ethnic minority students in the first, second and third years studying at the University of Education (Thai Nguyen University) and Tan Trao University (Tuyen Quang)

3.1.2 Research phases

The study is implemented in three phases: theoretical research, practical research and impact testing

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3.2 Research methods

3.2.1 Methods of researching documents

This method was used to review the research problem, to build a theoretical basis, the tool concepts of the thesis

3.2.2 Method of survey by questionnaire

This was the main method of the thesis to conduct research on the status of the research object

3.2.5 Method of investigating products

This was used in case studies, to clarify the results of research on the current status

3.2.6 Case study method

This method was used on 02 typical cases to describe the situation and experiment pedagogical measures

3.2.7 Impact experimental method

It was conducted on two typical cases using pedagogical measures to study the changes of the cases before and after the action

3.2.8 Methods of processing information by mathematical statistics

The data obtained after the actual survey was processed by SPSS program used

in Window version 16.0

Summary of Chapter 3

We think that the above research process was done with a strict adherence

to the basic steps of a scientific research process The thesis used many different methods such as: document research method, survey by questionnaire, observation, conversation, in-depth interview, case study and experimental method to learn about the research issue The research results were imported and processed on SPSS data processing software, with the guidance and supervision of experts, so it is reliable and has a certain scientific value

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Chapter 4 PRACTICAL RESEARCH RESULTS OF

ADAPTATION OF ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS TO GROUP

WORK IN CREDIT-BASED TRAINING SYSTEM

IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS AREA

4.1 General evaluation on adaption of ethnic minority students to group work in credit-based training system in the northern mountainous area

Adaption of ethnic minority students to group work in credit-based

training system in the northern mountainous area is at average level (GPA =

1.00) Students of ethnic minorities in the Northern mountainous region adapt to group work in different contents of different group work activities The best activity for EM students is: "Setting up groups" This shows that ethnic minority students will

be better adapted in the activities with lecturer’s guidance and direction

The content of learning activities among EM students which is the least adaptive is "Testing and evaluating the results" EM students even did not adapt with the "changeability" criterion in terms of EM student’s behavior Interviewing a group

of EM students in the teaching process to understand the cause, we found that EM students believe that: "The examination and evaluation of results is the job of the lecturer" or "you must accept how the teacher judge you.”

Using the observation method, we found the biggest change in behavior in two contents: "Setting up groups", "Examining and evaluating results" (GPA = 1.30) The content of " Setting up groups " not only had the highest change results but the behavioral effectiveness of this content is also highest (GPA = 1.10) The cause of this situation is the activity of setting up a group is always supervised and directed directly by the lecturer of the module, so students must comply with the regulations

of the teachers, making it the easiest The testing and evaluation of the results is an activity of special importance in group work because it relates directly to the academic performance in each semester This is the driving force for the biggest change in students The changeability in behavior was the latest in the content of

"Organizing discussion" (GPA = 0.80) When implementing this activity, ethnic minority students are generally not agile, flexible, often passive, dependent on others

4.2 Level of adaption of ethnic minority students to group work in based training system in the northern mountainous area in each content

4.2.1 Current situation of adaptation level to setting up groups in based system by ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous region 4.2.1.1 Current situation of adaptation level to setting up groups in credit-based training system of ethnic minority students in the Northern mountainous areas in terms of awareness

credit-The level of adaptation to the grouping activities of ethnic minority students in the northern mountainous area is expressed in awareness: In the two