Leading Effective Discussions

Running a class discussion can always be challenging. This is even more the case with virtual or flexed environments. The following links provide plenty of ideas about how to create impactful, engaging, and inclusive classroom conversations. One note: some of these sites also talk about discussion boards and other pre-class tools for engaging students. Don't underestimate the ways the pre-meeting work/discussions can serve to improve the quality of in-class conversations.

See also: Using Class Time Effectively 

• Developing Success in Discussion Boards
  This pre-COVID piece has some nice advice on making your discussion boards more productive.
  
• Discussion Prompts
  Some excellent models for getting discussion board conversations going.
  
• Facilitating Your Online Discussions
  This page from the Purdue website gives specific advice about how to make discussion boards work.
• Assessment in Remote Classes: Making Discussions and Research Papers Work Online
  This very smart piece explores how virtual environments shift our priorities.
• Organic Online Discussions: Saving Time and Increasing Engagement
  A nice piece from Faculty Focus.
  
• Seven Strategies for Increasing Student Engagement During Online Discussions
  This source is actually K-12, but it nevertheless contains ideas that can easily-and powerfully-be adapted to the tertiary environment.
  
• Strategies to Effectively Engage Students in Online Learning
  This free webcast has helpful ideas on using our class time more effectively.
  
• Tips for Hosting Online Conversations
  These ideas range from the simple to the adventurous.
  
• Using Online Discussion to Cultivate Collaboration and Engagement
  This piece has several very clear, very useful tips for creating a sense of energy and focus during your online class time.