The effect of assessment on the outcomes of asynchronous online discussion as perceived by instructors

Abstract

Asynchronous online discussion is used in a variety of ways, both in online learning environments and in traditional teaching environments where, increasingly frequently, a blended approach is adopted. However the anticipated benefits of this tool in improving student learning outcomes are still being debated. One of the many factors affecting the outcomes of asynchronous online discussion is that of assessment. This study investigated the influence of assessment of discussion postings on the achievement of discussion outcomes as perceived by instructors. The findings indicate that the incorporation of assessment results in higher levels of discussion outcomes than if no assessment were used. The use of a subsequent assessment based on the online discussion was also examined, but the results were inconclusive.

Use of a post-asynchronous online discussion assessment to enhance student critical thinking

“…The findings of this research suggest that the form of assessment used in an AOD may be less important than the fact that assessment of some kind is included given the positive outcomes that have been found to be associated with assessing AOD (Dennen, 2008;Klisc et al, 2009;Palmer & Holt, 2009). Significant improvements in students' levels of perceived critical thinking occurred for students who had their AOD contributions assessed, as well as for those who had a post-AOD assessment.…”

“…Critical thinking outcomes in AOD have been shown to be significantly enhanced by the use of assessment (Klisc et al, 2009). Summative assessment has been claimed both to motivate students to participate in the online discussion and to take extra care in creating their discussion contributions (Hara et al, 2000;Palmer & Holt, 2009).…”

“…Given that the assessment of AOD contributions has been shown to improve students critical analysis and reflection (Klisc et al, 2009) it was hypothesised that: H1: Students will perceive an improvement in their critical thinking skills after participating in an online discussion with an AOD contribution assessment.…”

“…Using assessment with AOD has been shown to enhance critical thinking outcomes (Klisc, McGill, & Hobbs, 2009;Richardson & Ice, 2010), but there is debate on what should be assessed and how assessment should be implemented (Arend, 2009). The most common form of assessment has been that of grading the discussion contributions (Dennen, 2008), but it is unclear whether this form of assessment is essential for successful learning outcomes (Richardson & Ice, 2010;Schindler & Burkholder, 2014;Wee & Abrizah, 2011).…”

Which e-Learning Technology is Right for me?

“…Klisc, McGill and Hobbs [22] suggest that when assessment is associated with discussion, there are higher levels of participation and quality of outcomes than when no assessment is used. In using online quizzes within Blackboard Vista (the University's LMS at the time) for a chemistry course "the cooperation between students is linked to these quizzes through the discussion group where the students can help one another and they are actively encouraged to discuss the specific questions within the quiz" (Interview 1).…”