CREST+ model: writing effective online discussion questions

Akin, Lynn; Neal, Diane

Abstract

Research on online classes strongly identifies participation as a positive variable. Research on online teaching also reveals the time intensive practices involved with providing individualized attention and feedback. An online instructor must negotiate the balance between being responsive and managing time effectively. To that end, writing sound discussion questions, based on a model, is one way to invite and increase participation and maximize the time element. The CREST+ model, a model for writing effective online discussion questions, covers the cognitive nature of the question, the reading basis, any experiential possibility, style and type of question, and finally ways to make a good question last. This model encourages students to participate in online forum discussions, provides a template for new online faculty to use in creating effective discussion questions, and promotes a higher level processing of the material.

Citation

Akin, L., & Neal, D. (2007). CREST+ model: writing effective online discussion questions. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 3(2), 191-202

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2007
• Deposit Date: Feb 3, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Online Learning and Teaching
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 3
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 191-202
• Keywords: asynchronous discussions; constructivist learning; discussion forums; facilitated discourse; models; online community; online education; student engagement; instructor immediacy
• Publisher URL: https://jolt.merlot.org/vol3no2/akin.htm