Interaction of the elements of cohesion diagram

Group cohesion is the degree to which the individuals within the group identify with the group identity/social identity and how individuals within the group perceive others' identities and goals to be similar to the groups'. The greater the group cohesion, the greater likelihood the individuals within it have a higher commitment to the tasks/goals of the group and can improve group performance.

Group cohesion

Dimensions to use for cohesion should focus on task cohesion in the beginning of the formation of a group and social cohesion once the group has been substantially established.

The focus for measurements should include attitudinal and behavioral measurements. All measurements and level of analysis should be considered on an individual and group level.

Measuring Cohesion in Online Learning Communities

The greater the cohesion within the community, the greater chance ideas exchanged are agreed upon and encouraged greater engagement with one another to collaboratively improve the online community and its information.

New York University

- Cohesiveness within the community
- Personal commitment to the community
- Constant Communication within the community
- Capacity for growth (i.e. enough members for expansion of the community)
- Well-qualified leaders (ex: instructors, admin, etc.)
-  Collaboration within the community

Maintaining online learning communities

Altebarmakian, M., & Alterman, R. (2019). Cohesion in online environments. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 14, 443-465.

Cohesion in online environments

The process of shared creation: two or more individuals interacting to create a shared understanding that none had previously. Collaboration creates a shared understanding about a process, a product, or an event.

Collaboration

With the substantial increase in online learning, communication between teachers and students has become critical. Instead of in-person communication, teachers must adapt to using technology-mediated communication (TMC) with their students.

Communication in Online Learning

Assigning students personal responsibility makes each of them feel a sense of ownership and commitment to bettering the community, thus promoting higher engagement, communication, and participation. 

Personal Commitment to the community

Cohesion within the community

When there is more collaboration of information creation, there is also likely a chance for higher engagement, cohesion, and connection amongst the members of the community, leading them to continue contributing and maintaining the community.

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