Students' Verbal Interaction Patterns in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning: The Role of Individual Preparation

This study explores students' verbal interaction dynamics in two computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments: immediate collaboration and individual preparation (IP) followed by group collaboration. Although verbal interactions are not always central to all CSCL designs, they are critical in contexts that emphasize face-to-face or synchronous communication, where they facilitate negotiation, idea sharing, and collaborative knowledge construction. By applying content analysis and lag sequential analysis (LSA), this study examined the verbal interaction behavioral sequences of students in both conditions to understand how IP influences collaborative dynamics. The findings highlight the crucial role of IP in enhancing collaborative dynamics, suggesting that well-structured preparatory activities can significantly improve group interaction efficiency. This research contributes valuable insights for refining CSCL instructional strategies, emphasizing the need to balance structured preparation with opportunities for spontaneous interaction to optimize collaborative learning outcomes. By managing distractions and maintaining task focus, educators can create more effective collaborative learning environments.