In discussion forums, moderators have two roles, a pedagogical and a social role. One is directed at pedagocical facilitation and guidance of learning and the other focuses on social aspects such as creating an environment with positive relationships and a safe atmosphere.
Discussion boards moderators have to facilitate and guide learning
in online discussions, for instance by
- posing questions that focus on critical concepts, principles and skills,
- prompting controversial questions to activate students
- maintaining focus on the topic (Berge, 2008; Salmon, 2013).
The pedagogical tasks are about making sure that students encounter enough thought stimulating questions and challenges and that misunderstandings are corrected.
The social learning environment is equally important for students to study effectively. Moderators can stimulate a positive and warm atmosphere by picking up students' contributions and proactively offering feedback about the learning progress and results.
So, the social role of a facilitator is to create an environment with positive relationships and a safe atmosphere. This aspect focuses more on the social aspect of giving feedback than the content of feedback. However, both, social and pedagogical role are important for forum moderation (Anderson, Rourke, Garrison & Archer, 2001; Martin, Ritzhaupt, Kumar & Budhrani, 2019).
MIDI (Suitable for current teaching situations, but requires a little more preparation, and in this case regular effort.)
Set aside some time in your calendar for moderating the forum 2-3 times a week. Use the resources listed under supplementary material in this tool box for guidance.