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Asynchronous discussion forum: fostering reflection among preservice math teachers

Published: 10 January 2019 Publication History

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.

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  • (2021)Teaching Mathematics Education Online: Instructional Theories, Strategies, and TechnologiesOnline Learning in Mathematics Education10.1007/978-3-030-80230-1_1(1-20)Online publication date: 28-Oct-2021

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  1. Asynchronous discussion forum: fostering reflection among preservice math teachers

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    cover image ACM Other conferences
    IC4E '19: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business, E-Management and E-Learning
    January 2019
    469 pages
    ISBN:9781450366021
    DOI:10.1145/3306500
    Permission to make digital or hard copies of all or part of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Copyrights for components of this work owned by others than ACM must be honored. Abstracting with credit is permitted. To copy otherwise, or republish, to post on servers or to redistribute to lists, requires prior specific permission and/or a fee. Request permissions from [email protected]

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    Published: 10 January 2019

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    Author Tags

    1. action research
    2. asynchronous discussion forum
    3. educational technology
    4. preservice teachers
    5. reflective thinking

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    • (2021)Teaching Mathematics Education Online: Instructional Theories, Strategies, and TechnologiesOnline Learning in Mathematics Education10.1007/978-3-030-80230-1_1(1-20)Online publication date: 28-Oct-2021

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