Chat Strategies

Practice Problems

Learning Goal: To expand on the materials presented in the textbook

Instructor Role:

• Post the chat word problem or equation.
• Walk students through the process of solving it.
• Expand on students' understanding of the concepts by explaining the logic involved in reaching the solution and discussing additional factors that may influence the outcomes.

Student Responsibilities:

• Work through the chat problem/equation in advance.
• Be willing to give input in the discussion on how they solved it.

Process:

1. A word problem or equation is posted in Blackboard that students download and work through in advance.
2. The optional virtual chat is scheduled for the same time every week. Instructors and students log-in and work through the solutions together in the chat room.

Other Comments: The chat session is used as a substitute for traditional classroom face-to-face contact. The synchronous chat provides a great opportunity for instructors and students to work through word problems or equations step by step and answer questions that spin off from the problem. This collaborative approach allows students to learn how other students approached the problem and to improve their own understanding of the concepts. Students have the opportunity to ask questions and gain additional insight from the instructor's in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.

Furthermore, the real-time conversations allows students and instructors to get to know each other better and often increases the comfort levels of participants. In this course, on average, 15 students participated each week. It was not always the same students. Students who were unable to participate in the chat sessions could view a transcript of the chat in the virtual classroom archives in Blackboard. The virtual chat can also be used to hold virtual office hours and by groups to collaborate on projects.

Chat strategy is from GRBA 811, Managerial Finance. Thanks to Associate Dean and Professor Gordon Karels, Department of Finance, College of Business Administration.

 

Example Chat Guidelines

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