Discussion Participation…
All courses today uses discussion threads to engage students in course subject matter. As an instructor do you respond each thread posted by students or are you selective?
Craig,
Great techniques! You make a great point. I also try to let students drive the discussion. Thank you for sharing these!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I have found that responding to each thread posted by students can be problematic. Because of the fluctuation of time by both the students and the faculty, it is sometimes difficult to post to each thread. When a thread is missed, students seem to take it personally. Additionally, when responding to every thread can be difficult to be fair in replies and not have students personalize comments.
It really all boils down to the type of discussion boards and type of assignments. Many times the entire purpose of the discussion board is to foster student discussion. While the faculty member's comments can help, students may begin to address the faculty member and ask questions to get direct answers quickly rather than have a meaningful discussion with other students. I would prefer the student learned a concept after discussion with other students with each of the students coming to the correct conclusion or answer.
I do try to direct the discussion in a general way and without picking out specific postings, as difficult as that can be on occasion. If there is a specific problem that would focus attention on a particular student, I will often address that outside of the discussion board with the particular student so they don't feel that they are being attacked or put in the spot-light.
Bernard,
True, and you want students to take responsibility of the discussion. This is one area that I think online can really do a great job.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
ANTHONY,
As part of an assignment, I make students responsible for leading discussion. I lurk and do the wrap up.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Angela,
That is a great strategy.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tanya,
Have you tried making students the "discussion leaders" This is part of a participation grade and I lurk to make sure comments are on the right track.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Your point is well taken on the momentum of the discussion. Getting it moving can be a challenge, but once it begins to move, I like to back away a bit so as not to inhibit interaction between the students.
All courses today uses discussion threads to engage students in course subject matter. As an instructor do you respond each thread posted by students or are you selective?
My practice varies with the number of students and the nature of the course. My ideal goal is to respond to every primary posting, but time constraints often do not permit this.
However, I do respond to every student several times during the course, if not to every posting.
So far, this seems to work. I do realize how important it is to get recognition online. I experience this myself when taking an online course.
Anthony J Matias
I will generally respond to the first few students to post in the discussion board. I have found when students seen the instructor being engaged early, they also tend to get engaged. After 6 - 8 posts, I will start responding to every 2 or 3 posts. By this time many students are usually posting. I will also respond if I see inaccurate information or if the student is not providing the information requested in the discussion assignment.
In my own classroom I tend to respond to each main post by the student to show them that I have read it and that they are heading in the right direction with their response. I do not tend to post on further discussion unless there is a question that needs to be addressed.
Madhuchanda,
That is a great strategy. Not only does it address each discussion it makes your workload manageable.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Early in the week, I respond to every single main post. As the discussion gains momentum and there are many postings on the thread, I then go down the thread and respond randomly. However, I do make sure that the discussion remains on track all the way through.
Chanda
Rolando,
It depends. . . I really want the discussion to take a life of its own so I want the students driving the discussion. Saying that, I do step in when there is misinformation, poor communication or threatening communication, or if it is not "moving". I will at times, have the students begin the discussion as part of an assignment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
