Convergences of Joint, Positive Interactions and Regulation in Collaborative Learning

This qualitative study explores the convergences of small groups’ joint, positive interactions and regulation in social interaction during collaborative learning. We analyzed the video-recorded social interactions of five groups of student teachers during environmental science tasks. We examined the frequency and functions of the situations in which joint participation and positive socioemotional interaction converged with regulation (planning, monitoring, and evaluating) in social interaction. The results show that when groups planned, monitored, or evaluated their learning, they participated more jointly in social interaction and showed more socioemotional support than in interactions with no observed regulation. The situations in which these elements converged served three functions: establishing agreement, responding to challenges or mistakes, and discussing strengths and weaknesses. The results suggest that the convergences of joint, positive interactions and regulation in social interaction can serve a function that is meaningful for collaborative learning progress.