Effect of online discussion forums to improve mathematics problem solving and critical thinking -A comparative study

Online discussion forums could be used to extend classroom learning of mathematics. Two problem solving sessions were held using discussion forums of the Blackboard Learning System for a mathematics course, with the purpose of encouraging critical thinking. An adapted model to analyze critical thinking in the forum postings showed little progression in critical thinking from the first to the second session. But quantitative analysis performed on the final exam scores of the treatment group (n=45) of discussion forum participants and a control group (n=45), after controlling for differences in mathematical ability, showed the difference in scores between the two groups was significant.