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Article of Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2016

Toward a classification of discourse patterns in asynchronous online discussions

Authors: Ella L. F. Fu, Jan van Aalst, Carol K. K. Chan

Abstract: The goal of this study was to develop a classification for a range of discourse patterns that occur in text-based asynchronous discussion forums, and that can aid in the distinction of three modes of discourse: knowledge sharing, knowledge construction, and knowledge building. The dataset was taken from Knowledge Forum® databases in the Knowledge Building Teacher Network in Hong Kong, and included three discussion views created for different classes: Grade 5 Science, Grade 10 Visual Arts, and Grade 10 Liberal Studies. We used a combination of qualitative coding and narrative analysis as well as teachers’ understanding of online discourse to analyze student discussions. Nine discourse patterns were identified. These patterns revealed a variety of ways in which students go about their collaborative interactions online and demonstrated how and why students succeed or fail in sustaining collaborative interactions. This study extended the three modes of online discourse and developed different discourse patterns, which are efforts to provide instructional guidance. The implications of supporting productive discourse and the enactment of CSCL innovations in classrooms are discussed.

Keywords: Knowledge building, Discourse analysis, Discourse patterns, Asynchronous discussion forum, Text chat

Citation: Fu, E. L. F., van Aalst, J. & Chan, C. K. K. (2016) Toward a classification of discourse patterns in asynchronous online discussions. ijcscl 11 (4)

DOI: 10.1007/s11412-016-9245-3

Preprint: fu_vanaalst_chan_11_4.pdf

About this article at link.springer.com [http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11412-016-9245-3] including a link to the official electronic version.