Exploring the Relationship Between Resistance and Perspectival Understanding in Computer-Mediated Discussions

• In Event: Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Online Learning Research

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the interconnection between resistance and perspectival understanding when students negotiated and constructed understandings in computer-mediated discussions in a graduate level course. Our findings indicated that resistance plays a role as a constructive discourse tool in interaction as students make meaning of scholarly texts. Resistance expressions appeared to be related to perspectival understanding achieved by students, co-occurring with elaboration of ideas from the author of the article or peers. Additionally, the degrees of changes in students’ perspectival understanding were varied from subtle modification to apparent alteration. This study is of importance in understanding the integral role of resistance in classroom discussions and perspectival understanding that have been rarely explored in empirical educational research.

Authors

• SoonAh Lee, Middlesex Community College

• Kwangok Song, Arkansas State University