Discussion Forum

We all need different things when it comes to learning and we will have preferences on what helps us to learn effectively. Being able to identify what works for us can help us to make the most of our learning experience and find ways to adapt our approach when we encounter challenges.

What Do You Need to Learn Effectively?

In the example below, the fictional students discuss what they need to learn effectively. Can you identify with them?

Note: This is an example screenshot of a discussion forum and how it might look like for our students enrolled in an online course at Falmouth. Discussion pages are only viewable by staff and students who are part of the course.

Screenshot of a discussion forum being used by students

Discussion Forum Script for Topic 3

Ronaldo He/Him

I am like Augusta, I need to know why what I'm studying is important and how it fits into the bigger picture. How does what I am learning translate into a working environment?

Time to think before I have to respond to a question/activity. Knowing what the session will be about in advance, being able to select my own texts to read, having engaging resources (images, colour, etc), an interest in what I am trying to learn.

Colin He/Him

Although the area of study is online, I still need a dedicated physical study space where everything is on hand. This extends to things like webinars too where I like to write notes by hand as it helps me process and take things in, even if I get given notes separately that I could read on my computer. I think I am old fashioned haha.

I have found that being able to discuss with peers and teachers helps me to reflect and consolidate my learning. It gives me a chance to bat around things I'm not sure about.

Florence (They/Them)

I work best by learning things in small chunks so the ability to pause videos and replay is important for me. Plus captions in videos so i can read along and the ability to change the speed of videos.

Similar to Augusta, having a set learning routine / schedule to helps me stay focussed and a quiet space to work from with no distractions. I couldn't work in a cafe like some people!

Augusta She/Her

Hello everyone! There's two main things for me:

I know I work better if I schedule study time across the week. That way I don't feel guilty when I am doing other tasks.
Understanding what it is I am trying to learn in the first place, and why it is relevant!

For the second point, I find the weekly learning objectives/reflections have been good for helping to contextualise what we're learning.