Dependent students
I have found that dependent students are the most difficult to engage. These students, I feel, tend to lack confidence so they tend to look for one-on-one help. During online discussions they seem to stay away from the "meat" of the subject to avoid making an error. Their replies can be vague. As an online instructor it is imperative to follow up with an engaging and direct question that initiates engagement.
Kathleen,
We have a "mandatory reply" policy at our school. Either you reply or you loose points. if that policy were not in force, I would engage them one on one.
Kathleen,
What do you think needs to be done to better engage these types of students? Do you attempt to do MORE one on one conferencing sessions with them to help them out of their shell and get them engaging with the rest of the class? Other ideas?
Herbert Brown III
