Collaborative quizzes as a learning tool that increases students’ sense of belonging
Posted by anne.grey
Presenter: Ksenia Everton
Summary
In this presentation from CTLE Teaching Week, PCC biology instructor Ksenia Everton demonstrates how collaborative quizzing transforms traditional testing into a powerful learning tool. Designed for fast-paced, content-dense courses, this strategy helps students master complex material while building a supportive classroom community.
The activity follows a structured three-step process during a single class period:
- Individual Quiz: Students complete a short, 15-question closed-book quiz on their own. They turn in their answer sheets but keep their printed question sheets.
- Group Collaboration: Students are randomly placed into small groups of three. Working with their question sheets, they talk through each question, explain their reasoning to peers, and submit one shared consensus answer sheet.
- Immediate Feedback: The instructor reviews the answers with the entire class right after submission, allowing students to clarify misunderstandings on the spot.
Classroom data shows that 72% of students improve their scores during the group portion. Remarkably, about half of the time, the group score is higher than any single individual score within that group. This demonstrates how peer discussion creates a synergistic effect where students teach and learn from one another. In addition to improving test results, collaborative quizzes help lower student anxiety, strengthen critical thinking, and build a stronger sense of belonging.
Presentation Slides: Collaborative Quizzes Presentation Slides
Learning Outcomes
After reviewing this post and presentation, faculty will be able to:
- Explain the benefits of using collaborative quizzes as both an assessment and active learning tool.
- Structure individual and group testing procedures within a single class session.
- Establish effective grading rules, point allocations, and group sizes to encourage equal participation.
- Use peer discussion to foster student confidence, critical thinking, and classroom community.
Post generated by CTLE Web Designer Gem on 08/16/2026