Student-Student Communication

Introduction

Studies show that students learn and retain material better when they have opportunities to discuss it with classmates rather than relying solely on lectures and readings (Tokuhama-Espinosa, 2010). Student-to-student communication deepens understanding, increases engagement, and builds a sense of community. It also exposes students to diverse perspectives and gives them practical opportunities to apply course content—skills that are valuable both academically and professionally. In online courses, structured discussions and collaborative activities can make learning more interactive and help students feel connected.

A Closer Look

Consider Your Course and Its Objectives

When planning your course, consider how student-to-student communication can support the course material and your learning goals. When planning, consider using a variety of discussion activities to build students’ skills in communicating and collaborating with their peers. Here are some examples:

  • Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Meetings: Although your course is likely asynchronous, consider encouraging students to schedule a few face-to-face virtual meetings with peers (e.g., for peer review) over the semester.
  • Graded vs. Ungraded Discussions: Decide which discussions will be graded and which will be ungraded opportunities for your students to practice conversing with each other about the course material.
  • Structured vs. Unstructured Group Assignments: Use a mix of structured assignments (like peer review) and open-ended opportunities (like informal discussion spaces) to foster more critical examination of the course material and positive rapport between students.
  • Monitored vs. Unmonitored Discussion Forums: Create both instructor-led and student-led discussion spaces. For example, provide a discussion forum for students to ask logistical questions, but also offer a discussion space where they can socialize or collaborate independently of the instructor.

Encourage Networking and Peer Work

Encouraging professional networking and peer work is a good way to foster strong communication skills and student relationships with others in their field of study or interest. Here are some additional strategies to try:

  • Encourage Professional Networking: Create a space for students to share their LinkedIn profiles or professional contact information if they choose. This supports relationship-building that can extend beyond the course and gives students an excellent resource to use when job-hunting or looking for mentorship opportunities.
  • Promote Study and Accountability Groups: Encourage students to form small peer groups for studying or writing accountability. You can let them make their own groups or assign them to groups early in the course. This encourages collaboration, motivation, and social support.
  • Integrate Peer-Review Assignments: Assign structured peer-review or peer-editing activities as part of major assignments. Provide clear rubrics or guiding questions to help students give each other meaningful feedback.
  • Assign Peer-Review Partners with Virtual Check-Ins: Pair students with a peer-review partner for the semester. Ask them to meet at least twice virtually (via Zoom, Teams, etc.) for live discussion and feedback. These real-time, face-to-face meetings help build rapport and communication skills.

A vibrant illustration depicting students engaging on laptops, symbolizing an online platform for collaboration, idea sharing, and creative learning experiences.

Set Clear Expectations for Communications

Setting clear expectations for discussions, group work, and other communications will go a long way in fostering positive rapport and perhaps long-lasting relationships among your students. Here are some straightforward ways to set clear guidelines around communication:

  • Include a Syllabus Communication Policy: Consider including a netiquette policy or communication policy in your syllabus or course introduction material. As part of this policy, provide clear conduct expectations for online discussions. Here are some items to address:
    • Avoiding inappropriate content (e.g., profanity, advertisements, etc.)
    • Being polite and respectful
    • Maintaining academic integrity
    • Valuing different perspectives and backgrounds
  • Clarify Writing Expectations: Let students know whether to use formal or informal writing, and consider setting word limits to keep discussions manageable. This also helps develop clarity and conciseness in writing.
  • Communicate Your Participation Levels: Let students know how and when you will engage in discussions.
  • Use Rubrics for Graded Discussions: Provide rubrics or grading criteria for any graded discussions.

By thoughtfully integrating some of these strategies, you can create a more supportive environment for your students while building their skills in professionally communicating and collaborating with their peers. These skills go a long way in both classroom and professional settings. Fostering more interaction can also create more engaged and motivated students while they’re taking your course.

Additional Resources

Reference