Instructors are increasingly expected to provide regular and substantive interaction with students, particularly in online and hybrid learning environments. These interactions not only enhance the learning experience but are also a critical part of ensuring that courses meet accreditation and federal standards.
What is Regular and Substantive Interaction?
Regular Interaction refers to consistent, ongoing communication between the instructor and students throughout the course. It's about ensuring that the instructor is actively involved, responding to questions, and providing feedback.
“Regular” interaction includes both:
Providing the opportunity for substantive interactions with the student on a predictable and scheduled basis
Monitoring the student’s academic engagement and success and ensuring that an instructor is responsible for promptly and proactively engaging in substantive interaction with the student when needed on the basis of such monitoring, or upon request by the student.
Substantive Interaction involves meaningful, purposeful engagement that promotes critical thinking, fosters learning, and encourages deeper discussions beyond simple logistical updates.
“Substantive” interaction includes at least two of the following:
Providing direct instruction
Assessing or providing feedback on a student’s coursework
Providing information or responding to questions about the content of a course or competency
Facilitating a group discussion regarding the content of a course or competency
Other instructional activities approved by the institution’s or program’s accrediting agency.
Student Engagement: Regular and substantive interaction encourages students to participate, ask questions, and contribute to discussions actively.
Accreditation Requirements: Many accrediting bodies, including the U.S. Department of Education, require distance education courses to provide both regular and substantive interaction.
Learning Outcomes: Interaction is linked to better student retention and achievement, fostering a stronger sense of community and motivating students to complete assignments.
Regular Interaction
Post Weekly Content-Related Announcements: Share updates, reminders, or reflections on course content regularly (e.g., every week) to keep students engaged and informed.
Email Communication: Respond to student inquiries within 24-48 hours, ensuring timely feedback and clarifications on assignments and discussions.
Office Hours: Offer virtual or in-person office hours at regular times each week, where students can drop in for one-on-one or small group consultations.
Discussion Forums: Participate in online discussion boards frequently. Post new questions, offer constructive feedback on students' contributions, and encourage peer-to-peer interaction.
Substantive Interaction
Meaningful Feedback on Assignments: Provide detailed feedback that explains why students’ responses or projects were successful or where improvement is needed. Aim for personalized, actionable comments.
Engage in Active Discussion: Don't just ask students to post responses - join the conversation by asking follow-up questions, offering new perspectives, and guiding discussions to deeper levels of understanding.
Facilitate Critical Thinking: Encourage students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. For example, ask them to connect lessons to current events or professional practice.
Collaborative Learning: Foster group projects or peer-reviewed assignments that require students to engage in critical discussions and work together in solving complex problems.
Video Conferencing: Use platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to hold synchronous office hours, Q&A sessions, or class discussions.
Learning Management Systems (LMS): Use tools in your LMS (Canvas – Speedgrader, new analytics, Starfish, quizzes, etc.) to set up discussion forums, track participation, and provide regular feedback.
Interactive Activities: Integrate polls, quizzes, or discussions to promote ongoing interaction.
Avoid Overload: While regular interaction is essential, it’s important not to overwhelm students or yourself. Set a reasonable amount of engagement that encourages students without leading to burnout.
Be Transparent: Let students know what kind of interactions they can expect from you. For example, inform them about your weekly response times, office hours, and the level of involvement in discussions
Example 1: Weekly Email & Discussion
Send an email at the start of the week that highlights key course material and invites students to share their thoughts on a specific topic.
In the discussion board, prompt students with an open-ended question, and actively reply to student posts to stimulate further discussion.
Example 2: Office Hours and Feedback
Hold weekly virtual office hours where you answer questions in detail and provide individual guidance.
Provide detailed feedback on student assignments, focusing on how they can improve their understanding and performance.
Example 3: Collaborative Group Work
Set up a group project that requires students to work together on a case study. Throughout the process, engage with groups, offering insights, guiding their research, and prompting critical questions.
Regular and substantive interaction plays a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience, ensuring that students feel supported, and facilitating their success in their academic journey. By consistently engaging with your students in meaningful ways, you'll not only meet accreditation standards but also foster a rich, dynamic, and engaging learning environment.