I ran across the article below by Dr. Allen Meyer in the August 2012 issue of Online Classroom. It really sums up excellently what online educators should be doing in their discussions. So many times, only feedback on posts are provided without introducing the information and expectations, helping students develop their ideas and thoughts based on the facts, and then finally bringing it alllllllll together. Very well done!
Tips From the Pros: Three Essential Instructor Inputs in Discussion Boards
When used effectively, online discussions can provide a space for students to
dig deep, apply concepts, challenge thinking, probe foundational concepts,
synthesize ideas, consider alternatives, and debate points of view. To
accomplish this, instructors need to provide structure and support in the form
of three essential faculty “inputs”:
- Provide a primer post. A primer post allows you to
set the agenda for what happens in the discussion board. If you want
students to really probe at the graduate level, you’ll need to guide them at the
beginning of the discussion week. Rephrase the discussion question if you have
to. Emphasize critical elements you look for in student responses. Highlight
difficult parts of the discussion question. Require integration of class
concepts (from the text reading and online lectures). De-emphasize recitation of
facts.
- Provide a mid-discussion correction. As the
discussion progresses, do a quick read and observe what is being
emphasized or omitted. Briefly reiterate some of the
legitimate points made, and then suggest alternate ideas that should be
introduced into the rest of the discussion. To move students beyond recitation
of facts, ask a series of probing questions and require all students to respond
to at least one of the questions. Make that a part of the grading.
- Provide a summary post. At the end of the
discussion week, pull together examples of great student posts, identify
themes in the discussion, and highlight truly exemplary ideas
and well-reasoned points of view. Post the summary, and require students to
respond to at least one point as part of their next discussion board.
Meyer, A. (2012, August 1). Tips from the Pros: Three Essential Instructor Inputs in Discussion Boards. Online Classroom, 12, 1.
