Striking a balance between too much and too little feedback in discussion forums can be challenging. Here are some typical questions instructors have about providing feedback in discussion forums:
§ How early in the week should I make comments about student postings?
§ How expansive should comments be early in the week? Later in the week?
§ Should I respond to individual students’ posts or to the group as a whole?
§ How do I coach and mentor students, but not jump in too quickly?
In making these decisions, consider the purpose and timing of your feedback (Boettcher & Conrad, 2016). Although there are no definitively right or wrong answers to these questions, this handout made available by ACUE provides some basic guidelines.