I currently spice of my discussions with additional resources, questions and comments to further engage the students and foster participation from everyone. I've found that making comments on a thread to all who participated works as a catch all way to encourage additional participation.
~Muriel
As an instructor, my role is to work hard to engage the student. It's important to add videos and extra tools to the discussions.
When students post the minimum to the discussion topic, it would be good to respond with a question that prompt them to engage in answer that question. I would encourage substantive participation by having some type of awarding system for the amount of time each student participate. One strategy that can be used to extend learner's thinking is asking a question to their response. This may engage a back and forth discussion.
In my classes they have to make a minimum of three posts.If they don't that is a 20% deduction. They must also make one post before Wednesday, then two after Wednesday. If they don't do one or the other that is a 10% penalty.
I post additional questions each day on the DB to generate discussion and to give students something substantial to response to like "What is the difference between Evolution, Intelligent Design, and Creationism."
I also weekly post Announcements (2-3) reminding students to make the first post by Wednesday night then two after Wednesday. I also email them to their university email, their personal email, and to their advisor reminding them to post to their DB. I also remind them that I can't accept any late DB's, so if they don't post they get a Zero which is 100 pts or one letter grade.
If no response I contact their advisor who will call them as I don't have student phone numbers.
Bill Falls
I would ask follow up questions and let the student know that answer to my follow up questions are required. I would probably try to include another student's post in with that question to keep the conversations going.
I think that online course discussions are among the most important learning opportunities for students in the virtual classroom. It is so important that students are engaged in the course discussions. I think that we, as instructors, must ensure that the students are not left to feel as though the discussions are nothing more than "busy work". My role is to bring the discussion to "life" (so to speak). I try to incorporate my professional experience into the discussions so that students can understand "why" the discussion topics are important and "how" they relate to the course content and the field of study. I encourage substantive participation by using the probing question strategy. In other words, I ask students additional questions that makes them think beyond the basic question...that way, the student has a reason to continue the discussion.
Gloria,
I have also found that the more I can tie the assignments and activities to the student's personal interests and lives, the more motivated they are to more fully participate in all aspects of the course.
Herbert Brown III
I have had success with students who just post the minimum required by praising some aspect of their contribution and also asking follow on questions that would relate the concept to their work environment. Most students enjoy writing about what they do at work.
Very difficult question because it really depends on instructor. I like to hit the discussion boards early or first of the week. I like to ask the early students questions that start with "how" and "why." I like to draw students out. Students that are late to the boards I send discussion questions through the email and ask them to answer "this" question as a part of the board.
I post responses that include follow-up questions. Of course, for the minimalist/disengaged student, I might reach out with an email. If this doesn't work, and there is the addition of missing or poor work I will take the opportunity to call this student and try to engage in that way.
Hello Herbert,
I have found that when I post video clips they can't wait to respond to them. It the post is interesting enough, it will promote a return comment by the student.
Dan,
I agree. I try to respond as quickly as possible to students, and they do notice. They feel that I am more connected with them when I connect quickly than if it takes me until the next day to respond. Timeliness is a critical element in responding to students.
Herbert Brown III
Immediate response is key. I know it says up to 24 hours for a response (which is fair) but the quicker we can respond to a direct question or comment the more likely the student will become engaged in discussion.
I think this comes down to how you as the instructor engage students in the discussions. Are you asking questions that require another response? Are you encouraging the conversation to continue?
Another important aspect is to set the minimum requirements higher. For instance have they respond to a discussion question by midnight Wednesday and then require the learners to come back into the discussion and respond again before weeks end?
In my discussions, my role will be to demonstrate models of the content that I am teaching. Then using these models students can respond appropriately to the questions that I have posed to them. To encourage participation, I explain to students that participation results in a better understanding of the course.
Jerrod,
I like how you play devil's advocate to get them to engage the topics at a deeper level. This is a great strategy to get students to think outside the box or just agreeing with others.
Herbert Brown III
I have to approach this both as an online learner and a professor. I try to engage every student in the class in discussions, but many do not respond to the posts due to fear. As a student I go the extra mile in the posting requirements only because I know it is food for others to feed off of. Instead of just agreeing with my peers I challenge them or offer an alternative idea. Discussion boards tend to take up a LOT of time for my classes and seem to reap little reward.
I ask questions, I offer alternative views and i show how this type of discussion can help enrich the mind.
Absro,
Good ideas. I appreciate that you contact the students that are participating minimally to try to get them to engage - I believe it is critical for instructors to make the extra effort in online courses like that to motivate our students.
Herbert Brown III
I would try to engage students by continuously be present in the discussion and participate in it. I try to recognize students that are not participating and send them email reminders. Also, I try to include links of fun videos that can attract their attention and at the same time have them participate by summarizing what they have watched on the video.
Adding more to the discussion post can stimulate more student interaction. Also adding in person experiences that may relate to discussion topic encourages students to also share person experiences. This domino effect can help to stimulate more responses from other students.
