Actively monitor and moderate.
- Be present. Students like to know that you are in the "classroom" with them and listening. Reply or comment occasionally to let them know that you are present.
- Stay positive. A friendly demeanor can be very motivating for students and encourage them to contribute and participate more in a discussion.
- Don’t dominate the discussion. Give students a chance to participate. This will encourage students to see themselves as equal contributors. If you dominate the discussion and post too much, it can stifle students’ willingness to express their own opinions for fear of contradicting their teacher. I recently heard a quote on Twitter, "Don't spoil the learning with over-facilitation."
- Praise students who participate well. Highlight good examples of discussion posts and congratulate those who do participate to motivate those that do not. One instructor will tweet "I just read a great post by ____!" And the rest of her students are dying to get a mention in her tweets!
- Summarize the conversation periodically. Discuss how different contributions have been relevant and how students can use this information in their current assignment or task. Refer to students by name when they have made significant contributions.
- Address conflicts or incivilities as soon as it happens. Students may quickly become discouraged by unaddressed hostility. Refer to ground rules, and privately deal with the offending parties.
- Break them up into smaller groups. Students may feel more comfortable opening up in a smaller group, thus leading to a richer learning experience.
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