The Effects of Blended Team-Based Learning on the Cross-Cultural Readiness of Tourism and Hospitality Students: A Mediation Study

Blended team-based learning (BTBL) has become a popular pedagogical method in tourism and hospitality (T&H) education. However, its efficacy in developing industry competencies remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by applying Social Learning Theory to examine how BTBL constructs perceived enjoyment, individual learning, team effectiveness, and knowledge-sharing influence cross-cultural readiness (CR). This study employed correlation and regression analyses using SPSS Process Model 81 on data from 272 T&H university students enrolled in BTBL-based courses. This study provides novelty by confirming the relationship among the BTBL constructs and extending the model to determine the chain-mediation effects of BTBL in influencing CR. These imply that BTBL enhances learners’ competencies through social learning. As a pedagogical implication, this study recommends that T&H educators develop CR and related industry skills by implementing BTBL activities, which provide learners exposure to “real-world” scenarios and autonomy to discuss collaboratively and make critical decisions as a team.