Dr Kebe Ibor Ofem, Maria Christian Ofem & Alexander Omuji Omuji
Abstract
The position paper explored, proposed and underscored the benefits of group-based undergraduate research project (GBURP) in fostering the development of 21st century skills among students in the social sciences. The paper was necessitated by the institutional over-emphasis on individual research project style twisted with some irregularities and unethical approaches that undergraduates employ in the process of project implementation and completion in universities. It emphasized the strengths of collaborative project style leveraged with digital technology to mitigating these problems. The work takes it basis from the constructivist paradigms of Bruner and Vygotsky. The ASIE instructional model was proposed to guide the process of the instructional design. The cooperative learning instructional method formed the basis for the GBURP. The GBURP is projected to enhance 21st century skills like critical thinking, research skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, global citizenship skills, civic engagement skills, global education skills and reduce ethical misconduct in undergraduate project implementation in universities.