Module 2: Encourage Contact Between Students and Faculty: Discussions
Introduction
We begin our exploration of Chickering and Gamson's principle of faculty-student contact (we continue our exploration of this principle in Module 3). "Frequent student-faculty contact in and out of classes is the most important factor in student motivation and involvement. Faculty concern helps students get through rough times and keep on working. Knowing a few faculty members well enhances students’ intellectual commitment and encourages them to think about their own values and future plans" (Chickering & Gamson, 1987).
Overview
Online Discussions serve as the heart of the class for many courses, especially those in the humanities and social sciences. Online discussions in the sciences often focus on group problem-solving activities to promote effective critical thinking skills. Many instructors for mathematics and some science courses have found that online discussions are helpful for developing community: online discussions can serve as a place for students to share their fears, ask for help, offer suggestions to their peers, and talk about their time management, motivation, and other skills necessary for their success in college. Regardless of the type of class you teach, online discussions can help you engage your students in a community of inquiry, motivate your students to succeed, help your students develop collegial relationships with their peers and you, and thus increase student success (and retention) in your course.
In this module, you will learn about the theoretical research behind effective discussions and learn tools, as well as strategies for creating and facilitating effective online discussions for your class for students who are using the LMS and for those students with limited access to technology.