Asynchronous Discussion Example

The following represents an example of how the messages have been used in an asynchronous discussion.  The hope is that this description will generate ideas you can use for your own discussions.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic was jolting to the mental well-being of virtually everyone.  An asynchronous discussion series was designed to support the well-being of the participants and to provide encouragement for each participant to reach out to others.  The series was called Fostering Hope.

Participants

There were 16 participants in the discussion series.  The demographics of the participants were:

  • Gender: Female (11) Male (5)
  • Education Level: College Students (9) Professionals (7)

Discussion Program Details

  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • Discussion Window: One week for each of 12 topics (Monday – Sunday)
  • Discussion Platform: LinkedIn
  • Recognition: Students earned a digital badge for participating

Discussion Topics

Mentoring Hope Discussion Prompt
Giving Hope to Others Discussion Prompt
Owning Your Hopes Discussion Prompt
To Be or To Have Discussion Prompt
It’s Time Discussion Prompt
Elevating Hopes Discussion Prompt
Asking for Help Discussion Prompt
When All Hope is Lost Discussion Prompt
Miracles of Hope Discussion Prompt
Hopeful Benedictions Discussion Prompt
Hope and Finding Your Why Discussion Prompt
Sharing Our Stories of Hope Discussion Prompt

 

Discussion Reflections

  • The discussions provided inspiration to all participants, as evidenced by the sharing of comments
  • There were no issues in the mix of experience of participants. They were learning from each other
  • One theme of the discussion that evolved was that one strategy for sustaining one’s well-being was to mentor others to achieve their hopes
  • There was full participation throughout

Additional Information

  • The moderator sent participants a hope story each day (Tuesday – Friday) to keep the discussion at the forefront of their attention
  • Criteria were established for the awarding of the digital badge
  • Reminders were sent to participants each Wednesday to encourage the completion of the first responses
  • The time participants spent each week on the discussion was 30-60 minutes
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