Get them to read, get them to talk: Using discussion forums to enhance student learning

Abstract

A persistent question in undergraduate education is the question of getting students to prepare adequately prior to coming to class meetings. This article touches on some of the literature related to this ‘perennial issue’ and then discusses the use of the Internet, via Course Management Software systems, as a solution this problem. As opposed to surprise quizzes and other such activities, this article shows that the use of technology can produce better quality preparation and more efficient use of class time. In the assignment, students are asked to post responses to thought questions on an internet discussion forum, which is read by the instructor prior to class and is a graded assignment. Before class, the instructor uses these postings to help prepare specific themes or discussion topics for class meetings. The article includes tabular data on the assignment’s ‘costs and benefits’ and a sample Discussion Forum. Alternative formulations of the assignment are also discussed for readers who might wish to adapt the idea in ways consistent with their own objectives. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Inc.