USC has implemented CircleIn, a peer-led academic collaboration platform that supports student engagement and strengthens learning outcomes. Backed by a National Science Foundation grant, CircleIn was adopted at USC in 2023 and has already shown measurable results. Over four semesters of the pilot program, students recorded more than 2.8 million study actions, and some courses using CircleIn demonstrated improved grades and reduced DFW rates.
CircleIn functions as a virtual study space accessible through a mobile app at any time. Within this space, students can share notes, post questions, create flashcards, upload videos, and study with an AI tutor. The platform promotes peer connection and continuous learning beyond the classroom.
Faculty who have integrated CircleIn into their courses report increased collaboration and confidence among students. Dr. Suzanne Sutton, College of Nursing, shared that “CircleIn contributes to a sense of equity in the classroom, showing students that their peers often grapple with similar challenges. It also encourages more face-to-face collaboration and openness among students.”
From the student perspective, the impact is equally meaningful. Arnold School of Public Health student Callie Cooper described, “I feel that incorporating CircleIn into my routine has helped me tremendously. This is a way I can ask my classmates quick questions instead of waiting for email responses from my professor and a great way for my SI instructor to notify us with session information and resources to help us study. After using CircleIn my exam scores have improved by two letter grades just by improving my study habits.” Darla Moore School of Business student Isabella Holliday shared that CircleIn helped her connect with classmates: “With CircleIn, I am able to ask questions, even anonymously, and I know I’m not the only person struggling. There are other people who have the same question and working virtually in CircleIn helps to build community and connections so it makes you feel like you are not alone.”
A Platform that Informs Teaching and Learning
For instructors, CircleIn offers real-time insight into how students study, collaborate, and reflect. Students can complete weekly reflections that summarize what they have learned and identify areas where they need additional support. These reflections are automatically shared with instructors, providing actionable feedback throughout the semester.
Faculty can also use CircleIn to share announcements, post materials, and facilitate discussion. The platform’s gamification rewards students for participating in collaborative activities such as answering questions or offering feedback, and students can redeem points for gift cards.
CircleIn complements existing campus supports such as Supplemental Instruction (SI) and tutoring by extending opportunities for peer learning outside structured sessions. CircleIn is the primary method of communication between SI Leaders and their students within their assigned course section. SI Leaders will post announcements, SI session reminders, additional resources, as well as monitor the “Anonymous Question” feature on the CircleIn platform to encourage students seeking support and clarification.
Access and Integration
CircleIn is currently used in select USC courses and can be added to others upon request. Many courses using the platform have been identified as high-impact for student success, but any instructor may incorporate CircleIn into their teaching. Student use is optional, though faculty often integrate it into participation grading to encourage engagement.
Through the instructor dashboard, faculty can view engagement data, reflection summaries, and activity trends that provide meaningful insight into student progress.
Learn More
Faculty, students, and SI leaders can find tutorials, guides, and additional information on the CircleIn website. Those interested in bringing CircleIn to their courses can complete the CircleIn Interest Form or contact Lara Lomicka Anderson, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, at lomicka@mailbox.sc.edu.