Enhancing democratic competences through action learning: from national initiative to COIL projects

The ongoing war in Ukraine highlighted the urgent need to develop democratic competences, including critical thinking, intercultural communication, cooperation and active civic participation, to preserve democracy during adversity. This study explored how integrating action learning within Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) enhanced these competences. Through interdisciplinary virtual collaborations, students from diverse disciplines engaged in experiential learning, reflective practices and collaborative problem-solving, cultivating skills essential for democratic engagement. The research employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative insights to assess the development of democratic competences. The findings revealed that action learning, which emphasizes learning through experience and collaboration, significantly enhanced students’ teamwork, conflict resolution and intercultural communication skills. Furthermore, the study identified specific democratic competences most effectively developed through this approach, including self-efficacy, civic-mindedness, critical thinking and global awareness. This research offers practical recommendations for educators on incorporating action learning into COIL projects, providing a framework to strengthen democratic values in both local and global contexts. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on using innovative educational practices to promote democratic engagement, particularly in societies facing instability and conflict.