How to Respond
As the reading materials in this section indicated, the instructor should refrain from giving the answers to the discussions early on. If the instructor responses indicate right and wrong responses, other students may then be more apt to respond based on what the instructor has indicated. Typically I will open the discussion with some additional places the students can research the topic (websites, reading material etc). Then I will engage them by asking additional questions. I try not to give away the answer with my questions, but encourage them to think a little deeper.
Mark,
You are right. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
It is great we are continuing to learn from each other.
At one of my on-line schools, we are not only encouraged but required to include *probing* questions in our responses to their initial posts. As you mention, playing "Devil's Advocate" is a great way to get them beyond the scope of their original thought?
Angela,
Outside the box is good - as most of life is outside the box. ;-) Through research they can uncover many things that relate to their major or life and develop additional skills such as writing, providing proper citations, etc. Thanks!
One thing I do with my discussions is to encourage students to think "outside the box" rather than looking for a quick and easy answer. I try to encourage application of the knowledge they have learned in a fashion that is not as strict as an assignment.
I also encourage research and use of technology. For example, I might ask them to provide a picture of something we are discussion (disease of a condition). This is a great place to reinforce proper citation skills.
Tonia,
It's hard for students to many times see that there isn't a right or wrong answer, but learn to defend their answer. It's good for them to have that practice through the discussion board. Thanks!
Yetunde,
It's good to motivate students to discuss the topic and summarize at the end to pull it all together. Thanks for your input.
From my perspective, discussion questions have no right or wrong answers. It is a simple dialog to engage students in a specific topic. Rubric in this manner allows the student to understand why points my be deducted. Such as bad grammar, spelling, etc.
I typically ask questions towards the beginning to reiterate the discussion question. I like to wait till the last day to respond to the post in order not to sway student's opinion in a particular direction.
Gwenda,
The two-sided question method is excellent. It makes students think and defended their answer. Good job.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Ellen-
You make a good point by mentioning that you ask additional questions. I try to do this as well, especially by asking questions that will cause them to think differently about the subject then they have to that point. Sometimes I ask "two-sided" questions ("If you agree, what is an example of how that would work in the real world..." vs. "If you disagree, provide a real-life example of why that's a problem..."
Thank you for sharing,
Gwenda
Janis,
I agree. Students need to think on their own and develop critical thinking skills. Scenarios/case studies are excellent to assist with this skill development. Thanks for your input.
Since I teach criminal justice, I tend to give them small "scenarios to go along with the questions asked in the discussion board with additional questions to help develop their skills in creative thinking. This also leads them to the correct answers to the original discussion question. What I have seen in some schools, and I do not like, is that the answer is actually spelled out in the text book and all they do is parrot what they read. To me, this does not show learning.
Samantha,
It is even beneficial to answer questions with another question to get students to continue to think. Thanks.
Ramonica,
Students should be thinking during each class and between classes. Keep them thinking.
I try hard not to give away answers until the end of the week. When I first started teaching, my boards were too much. I was providing too much information. The student had little more to add. Now, the boards are less to allow students an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding.
Enouraging them to think not only helps them open their mind, but it also prompts other students to think harder as well.
Mike,
Right on. Answering with a question can be an excellent way to keep the process going and going! Nice job.
Elizabeth,
We have to serve as the good role model. We want them to continue to develop their critical thinking skills and not just say something is good to bad. Thanks for your input.
I normally ask open ended questions for my paralegal classes. When a student replies to the question, I will normally follow up with another question to "make them think more".
