Substantive Interaction is the academic engagement that occurs between instructor and students around course concepts, skills, and learning objectives. It goes beyond logistics or technical support — it is the teaching activity that demonstrates the instructor is guiding learning.

Key Point: Instructors must provide at least two forms of substantive interaction throughout the course. These interactions must directly relate to the course’s academic content and learning outcomes.

Examples of Substantive Interaction

1) Direct Instruction

Instructor-created lectures, screencasts, or narrated presentations.
Asynchronous lessons explaining core course concepts.
Flipped classroom models using video or multimedia with follow-up activities.

Example: A 10-minute video lecture with captions and/or transcript, posted weekly, linking new material to learning objectives.

2) Assessment & Feedback on Coursework

Feedback that is specific, tied to objectives, and growth-oriented (not just “Good job”).
Rubrics, in-line comments, annotated examples, or audio/video responses.
Prompt feedback within stated timelines (e.g., 5 days).

Example: SpeedGrader comments explaining why a thesis statement met or fell short of rubric criteria, with suggestions for improvement.

3) Answering Questions & Providing Content Clarifications

Responding to student questions within a posted response window (e.g., 48 hours).
Clarifying complex topics in Q&A forums, email, or office hours.
Extending discussion beyond “yes/no” or purely technical responses.

Example: Responding to a question in the Q&A forum by explaining a concept with a diagram and linking to supplemental resources.

4) Facilitating Course-Related Discussions

Initiating, moderating, and sustaining discussions tied to objectives.
Probing for deeper thinking, asking follow-up questions, redirecting focus.
Encouraging multiple viewpoints and critical engagement.

Example: Posting follow-up questions in a discussion thread to push students to apply a political theory to a current event.

5) Supplementing Content with Additional Resources

Providing timely articles, definitions, or remedial resources that extend learning.
Clarifying confusing topics with new examples or explanations.
Adding announcements with commentary that ties resources back to outcomes.

Example: Sharing a news article about a Supreme Court decision and posting a short commentary on how it connects to constitutional principles taught that week.

What Does Not Count as Substantive Interaction?

Automated system messages or reminders without instructor commentary.
Posting publisher-created content with no instructor presence.
General “housekeeping” announcements unrelated to learning outcomes.
Simple affirmations (“I agree,” “Good work”) without academic engagement.

Quick Checklist for Substantive Interaction

I provide at least two forms of academic engagement from the approved list.
I connect all interactions to course objectives.
I go beyond technical/logistical communication.
I provide evidence of interaction (announcements, discussion replies, SpeedGrader comments).

Sample Syllabus Statement

“As your instructor, I will provide weekly direct instruction through lectures and guided materials, give prompt and detailed feedback on assignments, and actively participate in discussions and Q&A forums. My role is to ensure that you are supported in mastering the course objectives.”

Next Step

Continue to the page “Direct Instruction Examples & Templates” to explore practical ways to create short video lectures, narrated slides, and guided activities for your course.