Peer interaction can create a sense of belonging in classrooms that leads to increased engagement and motivation. Students learn from each other in discussions and collaborative activities in which they're exposed to other viewpoints, knowledge, and experiences (Pan et al., 2024). Understandably then, instructors may worry that peer interaction will be diminished in large classes. The strategies below address ways to foster peer interaction in high enrollment courses. 

• Provide early semester opportunities for students to get to know each other. If students are expected to meaningfully discuss material and work collaboratively, it helps to establish their rapport in lower-stakes activities. Try having students discuss a few prompts or work on a low-stakes activity in small groups before assigning higher-stakes collaborative work.
• Incorporate turn-and-talk or think/pair/share activities. In in-person classes, periodically pause and ask students to turn to a partner to discuss a question or problem you pose. In think/pair/share, students first think on their own, then discuss with a partner before sharing out with the larger class. Repeated exposures with peers build rapport and make studnets feel more comfortable in the learning environment.
• Set up a chat space for peer discussion. Tools like Slack, Ed Discussion, or a Google Chat allow students to ask each other questions and discuss course content without without the instructor needing to facilitate.
• Use small groups for online discussions to foster genuine engagement and make it easier for students to follow the conversation. Learn more about setting up groups on Canvas for discussions.
• Design group work that requires interdependence. Often students will get into groups only to divide their tasks without discussing them together. Design tasks that require collaboration and benefit from pooling knowledge and viewpoints. Such tasks might include real world dilemmas and problems, creating a multifaceted product, or coming to a group decision, like a jury or hiring committee would.
• Assign roles or tasks for group work. Providing students with clearly defined roles, rubrics, or checklists can support effective collaboration and reduce conflict caused by unclear expectations.
• Use collaborative tools (e.g., Google Docs, Google Slides) that students can work together in real time. These tools can give you insight into students' contributions and group process. 

• Ojie-Ahamiojie, G. (2016). Using collaborative learning to elevate students' educational experiences. Faculty Focus.
• Pan, F., Zhu, G., Sui, W., & Fu, M. (2024). The effects of peer interaction on learning outcome of college students in digital environment—The chain-mediated role of attitude and self-efficacy. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 83, 101404.