Facilitating Discussion Forums is a key component of your online teaching experience. The Discussion Forum provides a place for students to interact with each other, the learning material, and with you, the facilitator. Managing an asynchronous Discussion Forum is different than managing a classroom discussion, although some of the skills are transferable. Here are some tips to help you better manage your online discussions.
1. As a facilitator, don't try to be the center of attention. Let the students interact with each other. You don't have to reply to every post to be present in the discussion. Only jump in when you see a discussion dying.
Example: "You all are having a great discussion about _____. I just thought I would take a minute to summarize what I have been reading in your posts and pose new questions..."
2. Establish your presence in the discussion by providing a thought-provoking question to get the Forum started. Ask questions that require in-depth thought and evaluation. Questions that require only a simple answer will be simply answered won't spark good discussion. Ask questions that will prompt different answers depending on the students' viewpoints.
Example: "Let me play the devils advocate here: Does anyone view this from a different perspective?”
3. Access the Discussion Forum at least once per day to keep up with new posts.
Example: "Yesterday, Sally, John, and Dave were having a great discussion about _____...."
4. When students ask a question about the learning material, don’t answer it directly. A direct answer will stop further discussion of the topic, since the "expert" has spoken. Instead, answer the question with suggestions, other questions, and thought-provoking comments.
Example: "That's a good point to include in this discussion, Jane. I have noticed some of you tend to disagree but have not really had a chance to explain why. If you disagree with Jane's point, why is that? What reasons do you have to support your opinion?"
5. If you have students that are being disrespectful, aggressive, or otherwise inappropriate in the Discussion Forum, deal with the matter promptly. Other students will be reluctant to post when they think another student may insult or harass them. Contact the student offline to address this issue. Keep a record of the transaction just in case the issue needs to be escalated to your lead/chair.
Example: "Mike, I have some concerns regarding your posting of late. You need to remember to be courteous to your classmates, even if you disagree with their opinions. Your language in your recent posts has been more offensive and belligerent than I would like to see. Please be respectful, support your arguments with evidence, and be polite with your classmates, or further action will have to be taken."
6. Ask questions giving credit to specific students by name.
Example: "Sally brought up a good point in her previous post. What are your opinions on what she said about ____?"
7. Summarize the forum at the end of the week to close out the thread.
Example: "We had an excellent discussion this week. I wanted to summarize some of the key points brought up by you all…"
8. Acknowledge student participation.
Example: "That is a great comment David. I think you really did a good job of explaining the other side of this issue."
