If you have been rocking with me, reading my blog, you know that I have been doing a series on Discussion Frameworks Versus Discussion Boards. I have shared with you how much I loathe discussion boards, so we will not belabor that point; but, what we will do is put all of our focus on discussion frameworks, today. Below, I have included most of the transcript for the final episode in this series, but if you prefer to listen, please click the “audioshop” at the bottom of the page.
Welcome to Episode 4, the final episode of the Discussion Frameworks Versus Discussion Boards Series. In this episode, I am going to share with you how one strategy increases student engagement, gets students to actually delve into course material, enhances critical thinking skills, communication skills, literacy skills, study habits, and interpersonal skills all in one swoop.
ONE Strategy, Kellie? Come on, now!
Yes, you heard me, correctly. For more than a decade, about 13 years, I have used discussion frameworks in my online courses to accomplish all of that! And, guess what? I keep using them because my students love them. So, get a sheet of paper out to take notes as I share five reasons students love discussion frameworks.
Reason #1: Discussion Frameworks are systematic.
A discussion framework includes 4 to 8 steps that students follow, one-by-one, every single time they meet. You can think of it as an agenda for the discussion. Each step has an allotted timeframe that keeps the discussion flowing in a timely fashion. Students love this because when they come together, they know exactly what to do and over time, they can become better at what they are doing. THAT is where the power of a system lies. When you teach someone how to do something step-by-step, not only does that person have a specific areas to measure growth, that person can also teach someone else. So, the more your students implement the framework, the better they get AND the better they get at evaluating themselves as individuals and as a group.
Finally, they can receive customized feedback from you about those areas that they are doing and the areas in which improvements are needed.
Reason #2: Discussion frameworks are student-centered.
You do not run the discussion but your students do. The group is comprised of leaders like a group leader, a reporter, a timekeeper, and a publisher. The group leader facilitates the discussion and keeps the group on task with the help of the timekeeper. Your students govern themselves and this allows you the opportunity to observe, contribute when necessary, and to assess and evaluate what they know and in what areas they need support. Students love this student-centered approach much more than a teacher-centered approach which might include listening to a lecture.
Reason #3: Discussion frameworks take place in an intimate environment.
Students meet in groups of 4 to 6 to discuss course content. They are not in a virtual classroom with the entire class. As a result, they get to know the people in their groups over time. They also know that they will get an opportunity to share their ideas or to ask questions in a less intimidating setting and they can ask those questions of their peers. Students who are shy prefer a smaller group experience and find themselves opening up more and more, feeling more comfortable within the group environment. My students are education major and sometimes, they may have no fear of talking to children but are apprehensive about speaking in front of their classmates. But, I cannot even count how many students have shared that being in small groups and having live discussions made it easier for them to overcome that fear and to enjoy it.
Reason #4: Discussion frameworks are purposeful.
Adult students like to know why they are doing something and how it will benefit them. The framework helps them see the importance of whatever they are discussing. It also gives them some structure when it comes to studying and preparing for class. There is no guesswork in what will be covered or what they should know.
Reason #5: Discussion frameworks are enjoyable.
All of the other reasons are great but if students do not enjoy their learning experience, then why have them go through it? At first, learning how the implement the framework takes some time (about three sessions), but once they get it, they relax, laugh, and share like old friends meeting for a cup of coffee at small café. They come in the session, greeting each other, checking on each other. As they discuss, they compliment each other, agree and then agree to disagree. When the session ends, they wish each other well. It’s just a beautiful thing. In fact, when the semester ends, and students get to that last session, it is a bittersweet time because they are excited about making it through the course, but also sad to never meet with their group, again.
My students have developed relationships with each other that lasts far beyond the course or graduation simply because they were offered the opportunity to converse about course content in a small group with the same individuals over and over, again.
So, those are five reasons students enjoy discussion frameworks. They are systematic, student-centered, intimate, purposeful, and enjoyable. If you are still here with me, I want to encourage you to like and comment. Is there one thing that stuck out to you? Are you interested in using discussion frameworks in your online course? I’d love to read your thoughts.
If you have not watched my video Using Discussion Frameworks to Direct and Strengthen Intellectual Conversations, please click the title right here to do so or just scan through my playlist on discussion frameworks and it will be the first video.
Thank you so much for listening and because I appreciate you so much and want you to excel in being a master facilitator online, I have created a free guidebook for you that will help you create discussion frameworks for your online courses. Click here to get your copy.
Until or next time continue creating dynamic learning communities online.