The primary purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between collaborative self-efficacy and
problem-solving skills of university students in the context of cooperative learning and to examine the
mediating effect of communication skills in the relationship between these two variables. For this purpose,
a self- reported survey by using collaborative self-efficacy, communication skills, and problem-solving skills
scales was conducted with 72 undergraduate students of a university in the metropolitan area. Also, a
focus group interview was conducted as a way to supplement surveys. Linear regression analysis was
performed to identify whether collaborative self-efficacy predicted problem-solving skills. Then, mediating
effect regression was carried out to check whether communication skills mediated the relation between
collaborative self-efficacy and problem-solving skills. In addition, Sobel test was used to test the significance
of the mediation effect. As a result, collaborative self-efficacy was predicted to have a statistically significant
positive effect on problem-solving skills, and communication skills were identified to have a positive partial
mediating effect on the relationship between collaborative self-efficacy and problem-solving skills. The result
of this study suggested that additional support in learning considered communication skills is needed to
enhance the problem-solving skills of the learners with low collaborative self-efficacy in cooperative learning.