I once took a class in which the professor had the students create the class rules and specific discussion rules. She went around the room and each student had to contribute one rule (obviously smaller class). She had an open word document and was typing them on the screen for us all to see and amending them as needed. There were actually times throughout the semester (amidst heated debates) in which students would actually raise their hand and remind us of one of our rules. I think that this worked incredibly well. As the students created the rules we felt an obligation to uphold them and we were all well aware of what they were. This gave us a feeling of control and allowed us to take responsibility for the class. People shouldn’t need reminders to be respectful and kind, but most do. This really contributed to her “setting the tone” for the semester.
I’ve been in numerous classes that try to force discussion. I had one professor literally put a check behind your name, each time you talked, every single day. It drove me nuts! I am the kind of person that does not like to be forced to do something. If I have something I would like to share with the class, I will. If I feel like talking, I will. So, I tend to rebel against this kind of approach and not talk at all. I also think it does damage to the student/professor relationship because they are trying to force communications and police discussions. I also think it discredits their ability to provoke discussion and create lectures interesting enough for students to participate in. In these types of situations students also become consumed with saying something, anything, to get their points for the day. Some students just hurry and do not make well-thought-out comments that really don’t positively influence others.
I think requiring online discussion is good. It does not create the same stress that forcing discussion in class does but still allows for the professor to gauge students’ understanding. I actually think it is a better way to create discussion because students will have to put a little more effort into writing. It causes them to think about topics outside of class time.