Introduction
Various researches has been done in the field of education to understand the best practices and strategies of students in the learning process. Similarly, the study by Wise and colleagues, Broadening the Notion of Participation in Online Discussions, focuses on the classification of student engagement and the effectiveness of listening behaviors. Consequently, it is determined that online listening behaviors are an integral element of education and should not be ignored.
Discussion
In their article by Wise and colleagues, the authors aim to expand the concept of participation in online discussions beyond active participation, such as posting or commenting, to include passive participation, such as viewing or reading. The authors point to the fact that while research has mainly concentrated on active participation in online discussions, passive participation and its effects on learning outcomes have received little attention. Examining trends in learners’ online listening practices to see if they influence learning outcomes is the article’s research problem. The writers pose two research questions: The first one is what patterns of online listening practices are initially apparent in the engagement of learners in online discussions. The second one is about how trends of online listening practices manifest themselves throughout the discussions. To answer these questions, the authors conducted a case study of an online course in a university setting. They analyzed data from 96 student surveys and course data and used a qualitative approach to analyze the data.
In the study, it was found that learners engage in various online listening behaviors, including superficial, concentrated, and broad listening in the context of reviewing, replying, and reflecting in the posts. The scientists additionally discovered that learners’ final grades did not alter depending on whether they engaged in these passive listening habits or not. The authors conclude that passive listening behaviors can be advantageous for learning outcomes and should be recognized as a form of participation in online discussions. In terms of implications, the authors suggest that educators should encourage and recognize passive listening behaviors in online discussions.
Conclusion
Hence, online listening behaviors are found to be a crucial component of education and should not be disregarded. The article Broadening the Notion of Participation in Online Discussions by Wise and colleagues expands on the concept of participation in online discussions. This includes passive listening behaviors and highlights the importance of recognizing their contribution to learning outcomes. The authors’ findings have implications for instructors in the area of online learning.
Reference
Wise, A. F., Speer, J., Marbouti, F., & Hsiao, Y. T. (2013). Broadening the notion of participation in online discussions: Examining patterns in learners’ online listening behaviors. Instructional Science, 41, 323-343. Web.