| If the discussion goes off-track... | You may need to remind learners that a course-related discussion is not the place to discuss their social lives. Ask them to move their discussion to a social forum set up for the purpose. If the discussion is on the right topic but seems to be missing the point, try to redirect it by asking a focusing question rather than just giving the answer. |
| If the discussion gets heated... | You may need to email one or more learners to remind them that 'flaming' (abusive or hostile postings) is not acceptable in the classroom or online. |
| If the discussion slows down... | If this happens because learners are not sure of what to contribute, you may be able to generate some more ideas and get learners back on track by posting a further question. But discussion may fail to take off for other reasons: because learner lack the confidence to contribute, or they don't find the topic interesting, or the group is too small to generate al ot of interest. |
