There are a number of approaches to facilitating online discussions and managing difficult conversations. Whereas your synchronous sessions you are keeping an eye out for in the moment heated replies, in an asynchronous discussion, the students have time to think and formulate responses. However, this can still lead to heated exchanges.

Asynchronous discussions can occur in a variety of formats, but typically they occur through the Moodle Discussion forum. These can be places that allow students to explore ideas together and provide an opportunity to use multi-modal approaches as well as allow quieter students a voice. In addition, one role of the online discussion forum is to create a community where students can interact and build connections to each other.

Similar to synchronous discussions, the general approaches outlined above can be applied. A couple of key aspects to consider:

• Have the framework, purpose, and ground rules visible or easy to click to so students are reminded of expectations and the goals of the discussion.
• Be an active facilitator so students know you are reading the posts and monitoring. Use your posts to model good discussion post practice.
• Have opportunities (either assign students, or do it yourself) for students to summarize the class discussion and ask questions to move it forward and reflect on current direction.

Adapted from #Openteach: professional development for open online educators Copyright © 2021 by #Openteach project is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License