Improving (Online) Peer Discussions

Why this Matters

Transform your (online) peer discussions in under 60 minutes. This hands-on workshop highlights three simple strategies to improve student engagement, critical thinking, and the quality of feedback they give each other. You’ll leave with actual updates made to your course, not just ideas to try later.

Our Workshop

Today's Agenda

11:00–11:10 — Introduction

Session Pre-work
- In chat: Share your name and the course you want to focus on in today’s workshop!
- Open your course of choice
Maintenance Process Overview

- Download the Workshop Maintenance Template
- Fill out the top section with your name and course number
- Include a before/after picture, or use the table at the bottom to include a narrative of what you changed during the maintenance

11:10-11:30 - Session Framework & Examples

Move from “I agree” to connection and application with Student Response Templates
Annotate student work to name strengths and guide next steps
Support the shift from response to evaluation and improvement in peer discussions with rubrics

11:30-11:50 - Supported Work Session

TLC is ready to hop into a breakout room to help brainstorm your ideas
Cameras off during work time if you want to go at it independently
Make sure you Validate Your Course Links

11:50-12:00 - Wrap-up & Next Steps

Cameras on to wrap up
In chat - Expand your impact by posting the improvement you made to your course during this workshop. Include any pictures you want to share!
Don't forget to: Submit Your Maintenance Form
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- College of Education and Health Professions
- College of Management

Session Recording - Coming Soon!

Video X Quick References

09:05 Timestamp 1 - [Concept]
12:54 Timestamp 2 - [Concept]
16:15 Timestamp 3 - [Concept]
22:25 Timestamp 4 - [Concept]

Supporting Research & Resources

John Hopkins Writing School of Engineering. (n.d.). Discussions in online courses: Best practices and expectations. Retrieved April 10, 2025, from Engineering for Professionals.

Summary: By introducing subtle shifts in discussion prompts and structures, we can create authentic situations for our students to navigate as a learning community, test their thinking, and apply what they have learned in different contexts. To keep students actively engaged, discussion boards must feel relevant and timely while providing models and rubrics that help students self-assess their progress toward learning objectives.

Coming Soon

Lunch N Learn: TBD

Presenters: TBD

Date & Time: TBD

Zoom Location: https://park.zoom.us/my/parktlc

Session Description: TBD