PILLAR 2: INTERACTION AND ENGAGEMENT

Collaborative Learning

Why is this important?

Peer-to-peer interaction is a cornerstone of active learning. In online and blended courses, intentional collaborative opportunities help students deepen their understanding, broaden their perspectives, and feel part of a learning community. Whether through formal group work or informal networking spaces, structured peer interaction builds critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. These skills, in turn, that transfer directly to academic, professional, and real-world settings.

Student-to-Student Interaction

Design activities where students engage meaningfully with one another throughout the course. These might include small-group projects, structured discussion prompts that encourage students to respond to and build on each other’s ideas, or Q&A boards where peers can help answer questions. Clear participation guidelines ensure these interactions are respectful, on-topic, and productive.

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Peer Feedback Opportunities

Provide opportunities for students to give and receive constructive feedback on each other’s work. This could be through structured peer reviews of assignments, collaborative brainstorming sessions, or student-led presentations followed by Q&A. Establish clear expectations for feedback quality and tone, and model the process when possible.

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