Josephine Luz S. de Leon
ABSTRACT
Web-based learning tools have been burgeoning over the past years and continuously shape instructional strategies that will stimulate students' learning. Among these tools, asynchronous discussion forum (ADF) has been a powerful tool to invite reflection among students. However, there are substantial considerations in integrating ADF, specifically in mathematics courses, which will support desired learning outcomes. This study was designed under the paradigm of action research to investigate the learning experiences and challenges of preservice math teachers in answering open-ended questions via ADF. Thirty-four preservice math teachers were divided into four sub-groups, were given a problem to discuss with, and were asked to assess their experience in the conduct of ADF. Based on the structured interview, ADF supports reflection among students while challenging their minds to think critically and be understanding of others' perspectives. It also revealed that the availability of computers and the internet connection remained to be a main challenge among the participants. Further, results showed that the type of questions given to the students served as their foundation in reflecting and thinking critically while the role and the level of participation of the instructor in ADF as well as students' motivation influence the quality of the discussion.
- Andresen, M. A. (2009). Asynchronous discussion forums: success factors, outcomes, assessments, and limitations. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 12(1), 249--257.Google Scholar
- Balaji, M. S., & Chakrabarti, D. (2010). Student Interactions in Online Discussion Forum: Empirical Research from "Media Richness Theory" Perspective. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 9(1), 1--23.Google Scholar
- Barseghian, T. (2013). How Technology Wires the Learning Brain, 1--11.Google Scholar
- Bodzin, A. M., & Park, J. C. (2002). Using a nonrestrictive web-based forum to promote reflective discourse with preservice science teachers. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 2(3), 267--289.Google Scholar
- Demirel, M., Derman, I., & Karagedik, E. (2015). A study on the relationship between reflective thinking skills towards problem solving and attitudes towards mathematics. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 197(February), 2086--2096.Google ScholarCross Ref
- Demissie, F. (2015). Promoting student reachers â€TM reflective thinking through a philosophical community of enquiry approach. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 40(12).Google Scholar
- Kim, Y. (2006). Cultivating refelctive thinking: The effects of reflective thinking tool on learners' learning performance and metacognitive awareness in the context of on-line learning. ProQuest Information and Learning Company, (August).Google Scholar
- Prensky, M. (2012). Before Bringing in New Tools, You Must First Bring in New Thinking. Amplify, (June), 1--3.Google Scholar
- Seo, D. (2014). A qualitative study of paticipation of students in online discussion in Mathematics, (May).Google Scholar
- Wielgus, M. D. (2015). Critical-Reflective Thinking: A Phenomenology. Theses and Dissertations-Philosophy, Paper 6.Google Scholar
Index Terms
- Asynchronous discussion forum: fostering reflection among preservice math teachers
Recommendations
The effects of web-based learning experience, perceived-initiative, and perceived-performance on learners' attitudes toward mobile learning
This study explored the effects of prior web-based learning experience, perceived-initiative, and perceived-performance on learners' attitudes toward a mobile learning system designed to enhance novices' reflective thinking and problem-solving through ...
An evaluation of learners' satisfaction toward mobile learning
ACOS'07: Proceedings of the 6th Conference on WSEAS International Conference on Applied Computer Science - Volume 6This study explored learners' satisfaction toward a mobile learning system designed to enhance novices' reflective thinking and problem-solving. Instructional multimedia were provided via mobile devices to facilitate novices' learning of the Fedora ...
Comments