Enhancing Active Learning in Online Courses: The Impact of Student-Led Discussion Forum

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

This study investigated the impact of various discussion forum designs on student engagement and learning outcomes in an online course. Over the three spring semesters, different discussion guidelines were evaluated, ranging from flexible posting to a student-leader monitoring format. The student-led approach significantly enhanced student engagement, critical thinking, and active discussion. The findings indicate a well-structured online discussion forum can foster a more collaborative and thoughtful learning environment. The study highlights the importance of clear participation guidelines, engaging questions, and peer interaction in maximizing the educational benefits of discussion boards in online courses. These elements can significantly improve the quality and consistency of student contributions, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience.