Student Engagement

How can I implement engaging discussions boards in my class?

Below are some ideas to help the discussion move forward.

• In addition to answering questions about the content and learning, have students end their post with a question for the class based on the discussion topic. One thing that drives conversation and discussions is questions. Our questions prompt thought, reflection, and conversation. Student questions to further and deepen the conversation. At the end of my class, ask students to reflect on the course and revisit one of the questions they had posted and answer it. (Ian August, Instructional Designer, Online Learning & Services | St. John's University)

• Use controversial prompts, gray ethical situations, or other debate-rich topics. You can even assign students to a particular perspective or split them into smaller groups. Discussion forums can also be used for resource sharing or “poster sessions.” In the reply, students choose two tools/ concepts to apply to their own interests. (Steph Langel, Instructional Designer, University of Nebraska Medical Center)

• Have students post messages that follow some combination of the following options over the course of the week or within a posting (Max C. Anderson, Director of Instructional Design and Learning Innovation, University of Illinois College of Medicine):

  • Providing concrete examples, perhaps from your own experience

  • Describing possible consequences or implications

  • Challenging something that has been posted in the discussion – perhaps by playing “devil’s advocate”

  • Posing a clarifying question

  • Suggesting a different perspective or interpretation

  • Pulling in related information from other sources – books, articles, websites, other courses, etc.