How much is too much?
When it comes to our [the instructor] being part of the conversation in the discussion board, how much is too much?
I teach math and when a student asks how to work a problem, I may explain how the concept is worked or I may refer them back to the book, then sharing a problem and asking for the students to post the next step towards a solution or the full step by step.
Does anyone believe this is a good start to creating an environment of teaching students how to be self reliant or should I be offering more?
Karen "kam" Maiorano
Sue,
For classes with strong interaction, I agree the peer approach can be a very valuable tool....as long as the Peer understands it properly :-)
Herbert Brown III
I think you're taking an excellent approach especially when dealing with a subject like math. By providing students with guidance, and not the answer, you're allowing them to learn the material.
It can also be helpful to ask other students for their input. As instructors, we know if one student has a question there are often several students with the same question. By allowing a fellow classmate to provide assistance, you're empowering them.
I try to allow students to collaborate with each other as much as possible. If a question is asked I will use my responses to encourage others to contribute and help the student answer the question. If no one provides an adequate response, or if I feel that students aren't providing useful information then I will reference an area of the material where they can find the answer. By not providing direct answers to material based questions it has the dual effect of forcing students to reference the material as well as use each other as learning tools.
Karen,
I also teach mathematics and I run into the same problem. I usually try to give some advice on the specific point they're struggling with (ex. "what is e?") or help them set up the problem, and then give them an extra day on their homework to encourage them to think through the solution.
However, I usually will cut a student off that gives the impression they are not even trying before emailing me. On WebWork every problem has an "email the instructor" button. Some students click the button on almost every question and write "I don't know how to do this". I usually reply to the first one and request more details on their solution. If they can't provide any evidence of having worked on the problem, then I don't waste my time.
Brian Stout
Karen,
You have to find a balance between giving them the answer (where they won't learn it) and guiding them to the proper solution. I would recommend that you Guide their learning, just give them enough to move them along the path. Refer them to resources, give a different explanation of the problem, whatever it takes to guide them to their learning. Help them connect this learning with previous knowledge.
Herbert Brown III
