Students claim higher satisfaction in courses that have higher instructor presence and availability (Picciano, 2002; Richardson & Swan, 2003; Shea, Li, & Pickett, 2006; Blau, 2009). This discussion strategy can easily be modified to fit online formats. To modify the fishbowl discussion virtually, teachers can use this digital Socratic Seminar Google resource to help students engage in a meaningful, socially-distanced or Zoom classroom conversation. Staci (@DonutLovinTeacher) often asks her students to engage in Socratic Seminars, digital discussion boards, or in Book Clubs. However, before expecting students to know how to have these kinds of discussions, Staci and her students examine the impact of types of questions and responses. Discussion forums have the potential to be the most valuable learning opportunity in online environments.
She has been teaching in a blended format for over 15 years and is currently completing a master of education in open, digital and distance Education. Engaging in discussions does indeed empower everyone to share valuable perspectives. If you would like support applying these tips to your own teaching, CTE staff members are here to help. View the CTE Support page to find the most relevant staff member to contact. Be prepared to refocus a discussion that drifts too far from the topic or from productive interchange. You may not be actively participating in the discussion, but you have to step in when a conversation moves too far off track.
Design Clear And Relevant Prompts
Provide students with a list on the type of response, both initial postings and replies, you expect. Take time to delineate each step of each individual discussion assignment. Make connections between posts, pull comments together, summarize key ideas and point out overlapping thoughts, problematic issues, and unresolved questions. Push the conversation forward (maybe in new directions).
When a student completes a quiz, they’re recognizing the right answer from a list. When they complete an exercise — draft a lesson plan, record a practice session, analyze a case study — they’re doing the work the course is preparing them for. Saying “I agree” does not move the discussion forward. Ask yourself why you agree and explain your rationale so that others have something else to respond to (Vonderwell, 2003).
Below are suggestions on how you can adapt your classroom discussions based on your course format. Research based practices for improving the effectiveness of asynchronous online discussion boards. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology, 4(4), 271. The study’s learners also deplored their lack of choice.
In the first article, we looked at ideas for structuring an online discussion that can help learners apply concepts. In the second article, we surveyed structures that can help learners explore concepts through divergent thinking, opening up new ideas and possibilities. An interactive course goes beyond passive video watching to include community discussion, peer feedback, live sessions, cohort-based progression, and applied exercises.
- Leading effective discussions can be intentional and meaningful but, as a teacher, you need to do the frontloading prior to jumping online.
- Entertain different arguments and ask for evidence.
- The instructor’s posts should be high quality, referenced, and academic, thus becoming a guide of what is expected.
Keys To An Engaging Online Course
And, when all students are in the classroom together, they provide intentional avenues to give each student ownership and a voice in the discussion. In order to make a virtual or blended learning silent discussion work, we first have to select the technology we need. In person, teachers often use big paper or graffiti walls. So, I started brainstorming how those engaging techniques can transfer to online learning. Below are links to Canvas guides that will walk you through how to create, reply to, and grade online discussions. Demonstrate how to create a substantive post.
Think, Pair, Share
Secondly, it makes it easy for online learners to respond or leave their eLearning feedback. Going off on tangents or trying to cover too much subject matter will only lead to confusion. Aside from this, you should also moderate ongoing online discussions to ensure that they are on-topic. Get them back on track by asking relevant questions or pointing out the key takeaways. For example, drawing their attention to a surprising stat or fact they may Japansdates have overlooked. In some instances, your meaningful online discussions eventually take on a life of their own.