Impact of Question Prompts Designed With the Practical Inquiry Model on Cognitive Presence in Case-Based Discussions

• In Event: Technology, Literacy, and Learning

Abstract

This study examined the influence of question prompts designed with the Practical Inquiry Model (PIM), compared to the regular (playground) questions, on students’ levels of cognitive presence. Students’ postings were collected and categorized according to the levels of cognitive presence: triggering events, exploration, integration, and resolution. The data were analyzed using quantitative content analysis, descriptive and non-parametric statistics. Results revealed that students’ responses to questions based on the PIM resulted in higher levels of cognitive presence compared to the responses based on the regular (playground) questions. These results suggest that instructors can use the PIM both as an analysis tool and a guiding framework to design questions that may influence cognitive presence in online discussions.

Authors

• Ayesha Sadaf, Ball State University

• Larisa A. Olesova, George Mason University