Asynchronous discussion forum design to support cognition: effects of rubrics and instructor prompts on learner’s critical thinking, achievement, and satisfaction

Lisa A. Giacumo, Wilhelmina Savenye

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of two metacognitive scaffolds on learners’ cognition by evaluating student critical thinking skills performance in an asynchronous discussion board and achievement in a blended learning module. The two scaffolds included a systematic protocol for individualized facilitation prompts and an analytic rubric with three criteria (critical thinking, participation frequency, and writing quality) along with four levels of achievement for each criterion. This research study employed a quasi-experimental, two-by-two factorial design. The study participants (N = 257) were assigned to one of four different conditions. Those provided with the rubric scaffold demonstrated significant differences with respect to their performances. However, the combination of both metacognitive scaffolds had a detrimental effect on learner performance. Additionally, learners reported higher satisfaction levels with the module when presented only with the rubric scaffold. Based on these results, the implications are discussed for those who design, facilitate, and manage asynchronous discussions and blended learning environments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)37-66
Number of pages30
JournalEducational Technology Research and Development
Volume68
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2020

Keywords

  • Assessment
  • Blended learning
  • Critical thinking
  • Discussion board
  • Grading rubrics
  • Metacognitive scaffolds

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

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