What are some of the strengths and challenges of our platform regarding collaborative discussions?

 How much discussion do you currently have in your classes?

How might you increase it?

One strength regarding collaborative discussions is the ability for student to use readily available chat. If a student doesn't want to verbalize his/her thoughts, he/she can actively reply using chat. I appreciate the options students have when it comes to online discussions (chat, discussion threads, QA, table/breakout room chats). 

One major challenge with online teaching regarding collaborative discussions in class, Newrow breakout rooms, or Engageli tables is whether or not students are actually present, especially if cameras are not in use. Are students logging in and walking away just to log attendance? Collaborative discussion can be challenging if 4 students are at a table/in a breakout room and only 1 student is engaged/present. 

I try to include at least one discussion exercise per CC and students are accustomed to chatting and sharing their thoughts on a particular topic. In CCs, I strive to ask broad questions in which all students can contribute. For example, "What careers do you already know in Health Science aka healthcare?" After covering a few pathways in Health Science, I ask more specific questions like, "What skills or abilities would an orthopedic surgeon need to be successful? Why? Discuss with your classmates and list/share 3 skills or abilities".

To increase discussions, I could add more questions or dedicate more class time for discussions. I could continue checking engagement by using polling and exit ticket activities.


 

Comments

  1. Lesley Demagall, M.EdApril 7, 2025 at 11:07 AM

    I love how you incorporate discussions into every lesson. It seems like engagement is a real issue, so I wonder if there is a way that you could quickly do a poll to see who is there, and then assign those who respond together and those that don't to another room? If they were just going to the restroom and they come back, you could have them go to a table/room where they could participate? I know that might be difficult with the number of students you have, but if there were some way to make sure that everyone at a table is present discussions would work better!

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  2. Mrs.Kristen BaileyApril 8, 2025 at 8:36 AM

    I so agree that ensuring all students are engaged in the discussions a tables can definitely be a challenge. However, providing the opportunities for discussion definitely important. I love teh idea of exit tickets. I use them each week in my CC sessions :)

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