University students’ perceptions on group discussions in online learning

Authors

• Tessa Horila Tampereen yliopisto
• Mitra Raappana Jyväskylän yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33352/prlg.119943

Keywords:

online study, online teaching, communication competence, group communication, technology-mediated communication

Abstract

Real time group discussions in so-called “breakout rooms” have become part of everyday practice in university studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students’ attitudes towards group work and technologically mediated communication have been studied, but so far there exists a gap in research on experiences of real time group discussions. The aim of the present study is to examine how students perceive real-time online group discussion and what emotions and attitudes these discussions evoke. Altogether 59 students from three Finnish universities participated in a survey including open-ended questions. We analyzed the data using qualitative content analysis. In the students’ accounts, 1) the possibility to be part of groups and communities, 2) challenges of communication, and 3) the key role of teachers was highlighted. Especially relational benefits of the discussions stand out. Attitudes and ways of participating have changed over the course of COVID-19 pandemic. Students seem benevolent and loyal towards both their own and others’ negative attitudes. The discussions evoke several positive and negative emotions, of which the most common was anxiety. The results are mirrored against literature on group communication and online teaching. We discuss practical implications to make real time group discussions more meaningful for students.