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.

A group of students sitting in a circle studying and talking

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?

People putting puzzle pieces together

Create teams with clear goals, roles, and expectations

A tutor helping a student

Highlight and curate support opportunities 

People discussing in a circle

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. 

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