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Teaching the Discussion Board

Why?

• Novice online learners need clear information on where to locate the discussion board.
• Students will follow your lead on the importance of discussion board assignments. If you communicate the importance of participation on the board and tie grading to discussion assignments, students will understand that the board is important.
• Information on the requirements for posting will help students understand exactly what they need to do. Providing information on conventions for posting e.g., initial post is due on Wednesday and all replies should be completed by Friday at midnight is also helpful to students.
• Students do not automatically understand your expectations for quality and quantity of their postings to the board. Placing your expectations up front is helpful. Providing models so students can see how your expectations are translated into action are also valuable.
• Students do not automatically know how to participate correctly on the discussion board. Spending some time teaching students the purpose of a thread and reinforcing the intent of threads and replies wll remove some of the confusion associated with the discussion area. 

Implications for Teaching and Learning.

• The technical skills of posting are easy to learn but misunderstanding about threads and replies will bog down participation on the board. 
• Clearly telling students where they should access the discussion board leaves little room for error.
• Interaction is so important to the success of an online course. Leave no doubt in the students' minds that participation is mandatory.
• Clearly communicating the posting procedures will reduce confusion and demonstrate your commitment to interactions. 
• Providing clear expectations for quality and quantity of posts will help students understand your expectations. 

Links for More Ideas. Note: This may take you to another section in this set of resources or to other TWU resources.

Discussion Board

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