Something that stuck.One of the concepts reiterated across readings is the effectiveness of teaching with a student centered learning approach. We must move away from lecture-style instruction if we want students to remain engaged throughout our online courses. Recently I found a TEDx Talks video featuring Matthew Stoltzfus who emphasized the question of why we had not yet transitioned out of the lecture-style way of instructing yet. What really had me engrossed in this video was the images of the activity of the brain during a class (referring to lecture), compared to lab, homework and sleeping. Lecture class and television was virtually flat lined. What I took away from this video is that engaging Socratic type questioning was more effective than lecture style instruction because it actually stimulates the brain (see screen shots of the brain activity from the video below). Despite all of our advances across professions and industries we still haven't stepped away from lecture spaces and this needs to be addressed according to Stoltzfus. (TEDx Talks, 2014) Click HERE to see entire video, How Socrates can Stimulate Your Brain Activity: Matthew Stoltzfus at TEDx... A significant way in which we can accomplish this online is through the use of student-led discussion boards. Yes, put the learning back into our student’s hands and put them in the driver seat of their own learning. This is one example or way an instructor can relinquish some of their control to the learner. What better way to ensure student interaction on discussion boards are engaging and relevant then by having them select their own discussion questions? Of course explicit guidelines or a rubric must be given so that students are creating effective, thought-provoking questions. So what does effective and engaging questioning look like? Let's break it down.
Next?After much reflection, I have identified a few things I would change or improve about my discussion prompt and facilitation. I want to provide at least 2 prompt options so that people can select the one they feel more connected with. I will add a prompt option that asks people to share their personal experiences to add personal value. I would be more present to post discussion prompts early, keep participants engaged and to answer any clarifying questions about my post. I would like to continue to choose a prompt that builds upon the information we have already learned. I will provide feedback more promptly to participants to give them time to engage in continued conversations. I leave my peers with this to consider: since this is a dynamic learning process...
ReferencesMetaOps, Inc. (2016, January 14). Socratic Questioning - Mastery Skill for the TOP Facilitator. Retrieved from URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gVORVXX5aA Mulder, D. (2014, July 10). Online Discussions 3 -Prompts and Questions. Retrieved from URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1844s5M-Jk TeacherStream, LLC. (2009). Mastering Online Discussion Board Facilitation. Retrieved from URL: https://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/stw/edutopia-onlinelearning-mastering-online-discussion-board-facilitation.pdf TEDx Talks. (2014, May 13). How Socrates can stimulate your brain activity: Matthew Stoltzfus at TEDxOhioStateUniversity. Retrieved from URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8a1dsv5IXo University of Oregon Teaching Effectiveness. (n.d). “Generating and Facilitating Engaging and Effective Online Discussions.” Retrieved from URL: http://tep.uoregon.edu/technology/blackboard/docs/discussionboard.pdf Images
Blooom's Taxomy: https://elearningindustry.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/applying-blooms-taxonomy-in-elearning.png Questions picture: http://ddeubel.edublogs.org/files/2010/10/questions-1n9bn7z.jpg
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AuthorI, Syeita Rhey-Fisher, am an educator and lifelong learner pursuing new and innovative ways to perfect my craft. ArchivesCategories |