Engagement:
Foster Collaboration
Collectively generating knowledge and learning from one another’s diversity of ideas, perspectives, and lived experiences is central to the learning process. Creating communities, teams, and partnerships that can push and extend each other’s thinking and practice care for one another is a powerful way to sustain effort and persistence.
Case Study
Libraries in cities like Chicago, Boston, and Toronto started offering Learning Circles—small, in-person study groups where people could take free online courses together. The idea was simple: instead of learning alone, participants would meet once a week, discuss the material, and support each other.
The impact was clear: Learning Circles had higher completion rates than typical online courses. Many participants reported feeling more motivated because they had a supportive community. Libraries found that this model worked for all kinds of learners, from job seekers to retirees learning new skills.
The social aspect—having a group to check in with, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate progress made the experience more engaging. People are far more likely to stay committed when they feel a sense of belonging and accountability.
How can you empower collaboration?
Create teams with clear goals, roles, and expectations
Highlight and curate support opportunities
Encourage discussions and questions that allow for more perspectives
Create teams with clear goals, roles, and expectations
Establish team structures early
Define roles such as facilitator, researcher, writer, or presenter, ensuring responsibilities are balanced and play to students' strengths. Consider rotating roles to provide varied experiences.
Use structured collaboration tools
Provide templates, checklists, or digital tools (e.g., shared documents, project management apps) to help teams stay organized.
Provide check-ins and accountability measures
Schedule progress checkpoints, peer evaluations, or instructor feedback moments to keep projects on track.
Highlight and curate support opportunities
Promote peer tutoring and study groups
Encourage students to seek help from campus tutoring centers or set up peer mentorship programs where experienced students from former courses guide newcomers.
Leverage student organizations and clubs
Connect students to clubs related to their academic interests, career aspirations, or identity groups to build a sense of belonging and networking.
Use online and asynchronous options
Some students may struggle with in-person support due to scheduling conflicts, comfort level, or other reasons. Promote online tutoring, discussion boards, and virtual study sessions.
Encourage discussions and questions that allow for more perspectives, ideas, and questions
Use open-ended and scaffolded discussion prompts
Frame discussions around real-world problems, ethical dilemmas, or current events to invite a range of perspectives.
Diversify participation methods
Offer multiple ways for students to contribute, such as small-group discussions, online forums, or anonymous idea submissions, to include those who may be less comfortable speaking up in class.
Facilitate reflection on collaborative experiences
Ask students to reflect on what they learned from their peers, how their perspectives shifted, or how collaboration impacted their understanding of the topic.
