Evaluating the Effects of Mandatory and Non-Mandatory Discussion Posts on Student Learning and Engagement in an Online Course

Abstract

Although online learning is becoming more accessible and acceptable, there is still much to learn about effective pedagogy in this environment, specifically regarding discussion boards. Discussion boards function as online facilitators of conversations between instructors and students, both for online courses and hybrid courses. Discussion boards can have a positive impact on learning. For example, discussion boards can facilitate communication, encourage high-order thinking, and motivate student learning. This motivation often stems from a student’s perceived learning as well as a perceived sense of. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of mandatory versus non-mandatory discussion board posting on student learning and student engagement in online discussions.