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‘Intentional repetition’ and learning style: Increasing efficient and cohesive interaction in asynchronous online discussions
Author(s) -
Topçu Abdullah
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
british journal of educational technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.79
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1467-8535
pISSN - 0007-1013
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8535.2007.00783.x
Subject(s) - asynchronous communication , repetition (rhetorical device) , asynchronous learning , psychology , style (visual arts) , learning styles , mathematics education , computer science , cooperative learning , synchronous learning , teaching method , linguistics , computer network , philosophy , archaeology , history
This study verified the efficacy of the intentional repetition technique in improving interaction in asynchronous online discussions by taking into account the learning styles of the participants. A conceptual framework served for the development of the technique, which conceptualises efficient and cohesive interaction on a continuum of process that move from social presence to production of an artefact. Sixty‐one university students participated in the study. A quasi‐experimental research design was used. The subjects, who were assigned randomly into two groups, were tested using Kolb's learning style inventory. The results showed that the experimental group exposed to the intentional repetition technique produced significantly better interaction than the control group, regardless of their learning styles, which had no significant effect on the interaction. Moreover, there was no interaction effect between the learning styles and the treatment. The implications arising from these results identify various suggestions for increasing the coherence and depth of the interaction amongst students in asynchronous online discussions.