How Group Size and Structure of Online Discussion Forums Influence Student Engagement and Learning

Abstract

There are many challenges to simulate the experience of a professional facing a complex situation in a discussion of a case study using an online discussion forum. The current research examines the role of two aspects of discussion forum format (group size and discussion structure) on two outcome variables (student engagement and learning). We hypothesized that more structured discussions would better enable student learning but be worse in facilitating student engagement compared with less structured discussions. We also hypothesized that larger group sizes will be more conducive to student learning but be less effective at student engagement when compared with smaller group sizes. Our study found that neither discussion forum structure nor group size influenced either student engagement or learning independently. However, they did have a significant interaction effect on both student learning and student engagement.

Large Discussion Groups’ Impact on Engagement and Community

“…In terms of engagement, community, and tool usability, the largest group, G80, responded more favorably, though not substantially so, in the majority of categories including feeling more connected to While many of our results mirror others (Amry, 2018;Baisley-Nodine et al, 2018;Delahunty, 2018;Jones-Roberts, 2018;Lou et al, 2023;Massey et al, 2018;Osborne et al, 2018;West et al, 2015), a few were in notable contrast (Akcaoglua & Lee, 2016;Chen et al, 2018;Peddibhotla & Jani, 2019;Qui & McDougal, 2015). The discussion section is organized by the three primary points of interest: community, engagement in learning, and technology.…”

“…Intentional instructor interaction may be a key for community building (Chen et al, 2018). Furthermore, Peddibhotla and Jani (2019) demonstrated that larger and therefore, more unstructured groups were supportive of learning outcomes, but not necessarily student engagement or building community.…”

“…It has been suggested that group size affects social presence and engagement in online learning (Akcaoglu & Lee, 2015;Peddibhotla & Jani, 2019;Qui & McDougall, 2015) where discussion forums and other collaborative asynchronous tools are integrated. Peddibhotla and Jani (2019) found that a structured discussion within a smaller group was more effective for supporting student engagement and learning, while a less structured discussion was more effective for a large group. Qui and McDougall (2015) suggest that students in larger groups do not participate or contribute as actively when compared to smaller groups.…”

Crafting an Experience‐Based Master's Program in Systems Engineering

“…-Written feedback from a PMASE student, October 9 th 2021 Teams include the cohort writ-large and student project teams. The faculty steers discussions of value to the entire cohort to a common "blog-style" forum, consistent with on-line learning styles (Peddibhotla & Jani 2019).…”