Stimulating Discussion
I find that in the course of monitoring discussions on a discussion board or forum it often helps to insert a problem or dilemma involving a concept being discussed. The problems or "dilemmas" that I insert usually involve a situation that I have been personally involved in. I give the facts and simply ask members of the group to suggest their own solutions or analysis. I also encourage students to use involvement in such relevant situations as the ideal way to demonstrate how such a problem or dilemma might be solved. This type of technique gives the person providing it extra credibility since he or she has actually "lived through" the situation.
Christopher,
Discussion is stimulated even more when the scenarios relate to real life. This helps improve the relevancy. Nice job.
I agree that adding scenarios helps stimulate discussion. It also fosters learning as they apply the concepts they learn within the classroom. Making the learning real and relevant is always a primary goal.
Donna,
Cool. Glad you learned from the posting. Keep on - keepin' on!
;-)
Great post!!! I like the way you present the your expectations for student engagement in the discussion threads. Clearly, these guidelines help students improve their participation level. Your 'food for thought' is an excellent idea for motivating the students while getting the students to a higher level of communication - critical thinking skills. I find that students are reluctant to respond to an instructors posting but with your technique and using a subject title that motivates curiosity helps students as well. Donna
Gregory,
Love the food for thought approach. Right on with requiring substantive posts. Students should be expected to and graded on how substantive their posts are. Nice job.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Hello,
Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to discuss this topic. Personally, I believe that I have been effective in communication and participation in discussion boards because I post "food for thoughts" at least 5 days a week. Students tend to like this approach because it shows that I am engaged in the discussion and eager to see what he/she has to say. However, I think it is important for the instructor to post substantially as well (Leading by example). One message that I like to leave for my class is the following:
Hello Class,
Your success, enjoyment, and learning in this course are closely related to how you engage the material presented. The following are some directional questions that you may want to ask yourself while considering whether or not your post is substantive:
1. Does the posting contribute to the overall discussion thread that is being developed?
2. Does the posting add value to the discussion, or is it simply a response to provide a post?
3. Does the posting expand on the main them of the discussion question?
Below are some additional ideas for the types of contributions you can use in order to post substantially:
1. Share a related experience.
2. Comment on others’ experiences.
3. Ask other students questions about their ideas and experiences.
Thanks again!
Gregory Becoat
Robert and Edward,
You, and others, continue emphasizing the importance of connecting the real world and the classroom content. Nice job.
Stephanie,
When there is a connection between the classroom and real world, it enhances student learning.
Michael and Edward,
Yes, case studies can be excellent assignments in many courses. They make students think more critically. Thanks for your input.
Very nice points made, Edward. In addition, being that I teach finance, I like to use real world recent scenarios for the students to first learn about, research the relevant concepts and see how they are important to the learning objectives of the course.
This is a great idea. I have done something similar on providing information on real world scenarios, but hadn't pursued your next step on asking the students to solve the problem. Instead I asked for them to share similar stories. I like your approach better as it promotes critical thinking skills.
Great point Edward--I have taught a Professional Development class where students are given the do's and don't's of interviewing, employee etiquette and ethics. Case studies played a rather large role in our discussions as well.
Edward,
Helping students consider answers to scenarios or case studies can help them develop critical thinking skills. This will benefit them in the future. Thanks.
