NURTURING SELF-REGULATED AND PEER COLLABORATIVE LEARNING SKILLS IN STUDENTS WITHIN ONLINE MODE: EXPLORING A TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The prevalence of online education with the help of advanced digital tools invites universities to foster self-regulated and peer-collaborative learning skills (SRL & PCL) among students. The main objectives of the study were; exploring the insights of teachers for fostering (SRL & PCL) in online learning, tracing difficulties for teachers to stimulate (SRL & PCL), and examining current online teaching practices of teachers that facilitate (SRL & PCL). In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 teachers of public sector universities in Punjab. The suitability & trustworthiness of the interview protocol was confirmed by seeking expert opinion. The qualitative data were analyzed with the help of N-Vivo. The Study concluded that teachers believed (SRL & PCL) skills are immensely needed to nurture SRL and PCL in students in the online teaching[1]learning process. Some challenging factors for teachers were found to be high in intensity like being un-motivated, having low self-efficacy, peer conflicts, the environment of educational institutions, lack of planning skills, support facilities, unsuitable educational equipment, and lack of orientation towards (ICT) skills. The practices of teachers to facilitate (SRL & PCL) included; the use of motivation and emotional drive, promoting the use of collaborative tools, improving self-talk & feedback, promoting reflective dialogues, and promoting peer sharing and active learning. The study also recommended the ways for teachers to nurture SRL and PCL skills in students within online mode.