Online class discussions can be very rewarding but also time-consuming for the online instructor. This is especially true when there is a large class-size, a complex course topic, the instructor is an adjunct and has many other responsibilities, or it is the first time the instructor has taught the course. There are two possible options available when an instructor is faced with the demands of an online discussion and the first is to go through the motions and meet the minimal requirements. The other option is to devote the time necessary to be actively involved in the discussions. Regardless of the option chosen, online discussions need the instructor’s participation so that students remain focused on the topic and actively engaged in the class.

For an online class discussion is the instructor that sets the tone and serves as a role model for what it means to be present and engaged in the discussion. Students look to these posts for guidance and feedback, especially when they are struggling with articulating their thoughts or working with the subject matter. An instructor that posts well-developed and well-researched participation messages will bring in supplemental resources and add their experience so that the topics come to life and are applicable to the real world. Because this is a time-consuming process instructors need a specific strategy to make the process both manageable and meaningful. Instructors can cultivate engaging online class discussions with guided ANCHORS.

The first step in developing ANCHORS is to Acknowledge a student’s post in some manner, whether it is their attempt to answer the discussion question or their perspective of the topic. The next step involves Nurturing their development by being supportive when responding, rather than calling them out on what they have written. The third step is to respond in a manner that prompts their Critical thinking about the subject. This can involve taking the course materials and guiding them through the process of analysis, synthesis, and application to the real world. The next step is to Highlight important points in the course materials and this can also include any aspect of the reading that students are struggling with.

The fifth step in the process of developing ANCHORS is to take an Organized approach to the development of the responses. Instructor participation posts should not be reactive responses but rather posts that have been carefully crafted and developed in a manner that builds from what students present. The next step is to include Research and/or supplemental sources to strengthen the response. The last step is to create a Springboard or post that prompts further discussion by concluding with a follow-up question. A response that simply acknowledges something the student has written or provides professional expertise may not be enough to create an ongoing discussion.

The use of ANCHORS is a supplemental strategy that can be used to enhance your current instructional methods and you can also use it as a means of critiquing what you currently post. To make your posts more meaningful you want to consider your students’ perspective of the discussions and keep in mind that they are trying their best to respond and be engaged. If the subject is too difficult and there is no active instructional presence students may disengage from the discussions. Utilizing ANCHORS is also helpful when you have a new class, a subject you have never taught before, or a topic that does not align with your professional background. It is also possible that ANCHORS can help to engage you in a discussion that may not be appealing or interesting from your perspective.

The development of substantive instructional responses takes time and practice. It also requires the development of an effective time management plan. Every message you post in an online discussion represents your level of commitment to the learning process. When you respond to students’ posts, consider their needs and the purpose or goal of the discussion. Develop ANCHORS to make the process of instructional participation more engaging and meaningful. It will also allow you to encourage, nurture, challenge, and support your students’ progress and development. When online discussions are engaging all participants can benefit and learn.