Learning Community-Enhanced Assignments for Building Engagement in Individual-Based Learning Models: Applications of Adult Learning Theory

Individual-based modalities for online education, formerly known as 1:1 modalities (Dennis & Zhang, 2025), involve targeted interaction between individual students and faculty through the provision of detailed and growth-promoting feedback. These modalities provide students with flexibility, but they may lead to disengagement for some online students. One way to prevent this while simultaneously nurturing a sense of belongingness is to connect students to one another outside of the learning management system. Learning community-enhanced assignments can create opportunities for student-student interaction when incorporated into select courses in online programs. This paper presents two cases involving the use of this strategy for promoting engagement. Results are discussed in the context of Adult Learning Theory.