Table 1 Example of the abstraction process; meaning units, code, themes, and subthemes
From: Collaborative learning in small groups in an online course – a case study
Meaning units | Code | Themes | Subthemes |
|---|---|---|---|
“By collaborating online, we had to have strict rules within the group, so we didn’t spend time interrupting each other. We met on a regular basis since none of the group members lived in the same city, and it was great starting at times that matched our schedule. It made the work flexible. We solved all the assignments in collaboration, and all the members had a common responsibility for the assignments.” Interview 8 “We tried to distribute the task so that those who felt that they had not understood an area so well had to take on responsibility for that part of the task. We agreed that we had to do this for the sake of learning. Then we met again when we had worked on the task and discussed [it] and tried to put everything together. If there was anyone who disagreed with something, we changed it together.” Interview 16 “I experienced that I learned more by participating in discussions with my peers and solving tasks together than spending time alone with my books. You have to participate and take responsibility for your own learning to be able to contribute.” Interview 13 “We think it has been very educational, to be able to discuss with our fellow students the different tasks. That we collaborated on it, that we could discuss if things were unclear. Someone else in the group often had a different way of explaining it that made them finally understand it.” Interview 16 | • Common understanding • Respective contribution • Regular meetings – flexible work • Collaboration and common responsibility • Loyal to the group • Learning in discussion and solving tasks • Took responsibility for their own and fellow students’ learning | 1. Joint responsibility – flexible organization | 1. Common understanding of the tasks 2. Common expectations clarified 3. Common and shared responsibility 4. Everyone was prepared 5. Flexible, open working processes 6. High degree of group loyalty and understanding 7. Shared responsibility for fellow students’ learning |