In online class discussions, I try to ask questions that will stimulate thinking and discussion. I try to ensure that the students consider all aspects for a question.
I also try to use the discussions as a learning opportunity for the other students in class. When I critique them, I hope that other students are also listening. In the long run, you can meaningful discussions.
Nina Miville
Robert,
The environment created by the instructor from the very first day is important. Thanks.
Yolanda,
Yes, students and the instructor should be engaged in the process...and enjoy it! Thanks for your input.
Nitin,
Yes, whether the instructor is the facilitator of the learning process or a student may be leading an online discussion board forum, variety on questions is helpful. Nice job.
Another factor to consider in online class discussions is the comfort level. Faculty must ensure that there is a friendly and supportive academic and learning environment within the discussion area or students will not participate fully and teaching and absorbing will not be fully realized.
It is very important to be involved in the class and challenge the learning environemnt. The Professor should be very engaged and know the material in order for the students to get the most out of the class. Online nevironemtns can be very persuasive and informative if utilized correctly and effectively.
Asking questions and in a variety of ways helps guide the discussion.
Most if not all, students like to post a response without explanding on the topic, and that is where the instuctor/facilitator comes in and encourages a more indepth discussion of the topic.
Also how one asks leads to the tone of the discussion, which in my view is just as important.
Katherine,
Thinking about how you ask questions is important. There are a variety of ways to do this. There are several types of questions: general, specific, redirect, etc. Thanks again for all of input and helping others.
Another thing I'd like to add to you list of three - which are all very important, obviously - builds on your number 2, "continue to ask questions related to the topic, going beyond the existing parameters of the class discussion to include additional information or issues related to the assigned topic to perpetuate interest in the class discussion throughout the given time period."
I often find that students, even in on campus classes, will struggle if you ask them to go further. One student actually asked me why they would go over that since it wasn't part of the original question, and I explained that the question was really just a jumping off point, and we wanted to take it as far as we could to make sure we went over it.
I remember back when I took my first online class in the 1990s...the teacher would have us email her our answers, and then she shared them with the class. Very different format! It was hard because she expected full essays in response to each discussion question - a minimum of 500 words. I have to admit, I did very poorly on that first question. It took practice. I use that in my own teaching now, and I make sure that, if the answers are too short to really cover the question, that I'm ready with follow-up questions to help my students move forward.
Thanks,
Kate
Marshall,
Content, communication and class discussions --> Great three! Thanks!
