Engaging Students Online through Discussion
I am challenged with keeping students engaged in weekly discussion forums. The focus is to stay on topic without adding new subject content. Students often feel that when a new subject of topic is added to the current subject that this is information overload. I would like to combat this dilemma by providing an effective way to communicate the intended message.
Lee,
I like this as scientific method can simply make a student squirm!
Shelly Crider
In a student-based environment, the learning environment is centered upon the learner. Very often the course times are at night to allow working students to attend courses. Rather than classroom lectures, the learning occurs via discussion boards and live seminars. Another focus of this environment is encouraging the students to relate the material to their personal and professional experiences. Instead of the rote learning employed in the freshman course, the focus is on applying the knowledge and making the knowledge relevant to the students. For example when I teach a unit on the scientific method, I show the student that the methodology used to acquire scientific data can be used to answer any question or challenge the encounter.
Sean,
If you can add something that is happening right now, this tends to help students interest or.....I have been known to throw an "impossible question" in and will not give the answer until 75% of the class responds first!
Shelly Crider
I find it hard when I elbarate on something to expand on the given information of the weekly discussion and no one reads it - but me. Typically, I find that students just reply and or post to the last thread and not read through.
While other classes the students feed off of each other and inspire each other. These classes are so much fun because they go above the required posts and actually interact with each other.
It's hard and it depends on the class.
I remember having one professor introduce an idea to build off of what we were discussing and just mark it on the chalk board. He would state that it's there but right now we don't care about it. Through the discussion he would slowly introduce it in how it fits.
That is a tool I have found useful also, Ileana, using open-ended questions in my responses to their posts. There are times when the students might go off on a tangent, but there is generally always a way to bring them back by posting a new, topical subject and posting an interesting opening question on it.
Maureen O'Connor
Charlotte,
One technique in on-line discussion threads is to challenge students to review the subject line. This can be a powerful descriptor that can stimulate the discussion.
Also offer choices to vary the online discussions if that is supported by your course outline and objectives.
When students reply to the same subject line it can sometimes be hard to track the discussion in my opinion.
David,
Good job....no just kidding!! I agree though. There are times when we need to push the student to think outside the box.
Shelly Crider
I have also just finished my degree on-line, and the best thing I hadduring the discussion period, was the Instructor asking for a claification, or a request to "expand" an answer or response because it added to the back-and-forth communication style. The worst thing was when the Instructor just said " good job", and left it at tnat.
Jamie, In the online setting where I teach, we have adopted a format that puts us out in front of the discussion by introducing the topic from a professional point of view without actually providing an answer or direct input into what might be expected in student comments.
For instance, our classes begin on Mondays and my first post to the class has been posted and awaiting their review first thing on Monday morning.
Along with my opening comments, I might introduce parallel avenues for students to explore about a given subject and always try to refer them to a website that that might stimulate them to expand on what might be contained in a lesson plan or in their text books on any given subject.
Additionally, I post an offering during the weekend after reading all of the other posts and in this way can summarize what I have read and to convey to the students that I am engaged in the discussion process as well. Joe Skeens
Ed,
This is true. I just sat through a webinar that was nothing like I thought it would be!
Shelly Crider
Oftentimes students have preconceived notations about what should or should not be in a class -- and their satisfaction or dissatisfaction is commensurate with their expectations.
Ra'kia,
There are so many times students will wonder why they are being taught a certain subject because they are sure they will never use it! but.....we do use what we learn in school!
Shelly Crider
As others have said, I agree that the sure fire way to keep students engaged is to relate the topics to personal experiences or current events. This is how I continue to stay engaged in my graduate courses. Theoretical ideas/experiences/ examples are like day dreams and real experiences take the cake becuase it shows that whatever you are teaching is relevant and has a possibility of occuring. I believe that most students ask themselves,"Where or when will I need and use this information?"
Jaime,
The instructor can certainly make or break a class. An active instructor is a true asset.
Shelly Crider
I took online classes before and it was a great experience for me, however, I noticed the first week of online class discussion forums, students discussions get off track. My instructor will reply back to the forum in a polite manner to keep focus on the subject. After the first week everyone in the forum stayed on topic.
Charolette,
I am not an online instructor but I recently finished my Bachelor's degree online. Our instructors would start with a small topic on Sunday and we would have Sunday and Monday to discuss the topic. On Tuesday they would add more detail to build on the original topic. We would have two days to respond to it. On Thursday it would be a larger discussion and in much greater detail.
What I am trying to express is that we would start the week off small and finish strong. :)
I find it beneficial to incorporate every day learning into each discussion.
I agree with Shelley and the other instructors that using current events or applying work related experiences helps the students stay involved. I also like to ask students open-ended questions regarding their post, or to elaborate on their comments.
Charolette,
Adding current events or personal experience in the work field is a great way to keep students involved.
Shelly Crider
