Interaction among Undergraduate Students in Graduation Research Seminars in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Did the COVID-19 pandemic hinder free communication among undergraduate students in seminars and isolate them? In this study, we examine the effects of “online interaction” and “face-to-face interaction” among undergraduate students in seminar activities on their research activities of writing an individual graduation thesis through an interview survey. Using qualitative research methods, we found that the seminar tasks and the seminar system avoided the excessive isolation of the undergraduate students, and that “learning in a community” was established. In addition, while receiving direct advice from senior students facilitated individual research in online interactions, face-to-face interactions strengthened the upward social comparison, that is, the comparisons among peers.