Pearson correlation.

The study aims to explore the association between collaborative learning and practical skills acquisition (SEPSA) among 310 students from second-year, third-year, and fourth-year (First stage of higher education) from the Institute of Arts, Culture, and Sports- Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. The data was collected using the time-lag approach at three intervals; 3rd week, 7th week, and 14th week. The mediation analysis suggests that collaborative learning (CL) has a positive mediating association with self-efficacy, and student engagement in practical skills acquisition (SEPSA). Additionally, collaborative learning (CL) has a positive mediating association with value-benefits, and practical skills acquisition (SEPSA). Furthermore, Collaborative learning (CL) has a positive significant association with practical skills acquisition (SEPSA). Our findings highlight the important potential of CL for increasing SEPSA. The finding of the study has implications for higher education teachers, students, administrators, and policymakers for developing more effective teaching and learning approaches using the concept of sharing and discussion with a specific focus on students’ engagement.