Rhonda,
Good point. When you are specific and address individual students, they need to be able to respond.
Russell,
Right. . .even though this is a "real" class. Ha! ;-) It's good to help students make the connection.
I can see now that I need to change my grading system on my responses. The answers are as if they are just going through the motion and not really analyzing the issue and giving me a logical thought. I just haven't been successful with "pulling it out of them". I usually have one student in each class of 25 students who really wants to get creative about their responses. I ask them questions about their responses and they just ignore them. It's exhausting!!
Ruby Whitehead
Hi Traci,
I feel it is important to establish clear guidelines for students. If they understand what is expected and why, they are more likely to participate in meaningful discussion. As instructors, we must also set an example by providing thought provoking follow-up questions and comments.
I also think it helps to provide links to outside sources that support the point or demonstrate the real life applications of what we are studying in the classroom.
Suzanne
Ruby,
We learn as we go. I hope these forums and courses have been helpful to you. Thanks.
Suzanne and Traci,
Clear guidelines and expectations are essential. Helping the students understand is key. Thanks.
Often online courses are tied to specific assign-ments that instructors are required to include. What then?
Stanley,
Branch from them. Just because you "have" to do an assignment doesn't mean you can't branch out from it and expand upon it. Make sense?
I make it a point to be a constant presence. I’ve found that my continual substantive feedback on the forums keeps my students “on their toes.â€
Emily ,
Yes, when you give meaningful feedback in a continual fashion, the students are more attentive. Thanks for your input.
Hello Traci,
Similar to fellow participant postings, I too also expand the discussion question by posing "what if questions" to keep the interest flowing and to also reinvent the question to attract all learners. For example, I may post a link to a recent article or story to spark the interest for others to fully understand and/or relate to the topic to enhance participation.
Zakevia
Dr. Zakevia and Traci,
Thanks for continuing the conversation. Sounds like you are keeping the interest going in your discussion boards. This is so important. Thanks for the tips.
