The quest for authenticity - A study of an online discussion forum and the needs of adult learners

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jasmine

The article examines how “authentic discussion” can be realized in an online university discussion forum for adult learners preparing for higher education. It argues that authenticity—characterized by open exchange of multiple viewpoints, respect and support, and willingness to take risks—may be achieved even when online communication differs from face-to-face dialogue. The lecturer’s role is highlighted as critical to sustaining enabling conditions, with implications for educators and future research.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Authenticity and the needs of adult learners

Australian Journal of Adult Learning Volume 55, Number 1, April 2015 The quest for authenticity: A study of an online discussion forum and the needs of adult learners Jenny McDougall Central Queensland University The objective of achieving a sense of ‘authenticity’ in an educational context is one that might have immediate appeal, though how this is defined, let alone achieved, remains contested. The concept of‘authentic discussion’has traditionally been used in the context of classroom English teaching in schools, but this paper explores its possible application to an online discussion forum at university. Participants in this forum were students in a program designed to prepare adult learners for higher education. Though communication in an online environment differs from face-to-face dialogue, it was found not to bea barrier to ‘authenticity’ in some respects. Multiple perspectives were evident with students building on the ideas of each other, but also being prepared to disagree. The level of support and respect was such that they were willing to tackle sensitive issues, and share in an honest and sometimes revealing way. The role of the lecturer emerged as a critical component in achieving such outcomes. Though claims of ‘authenticity’are always difficult to substantiate, this study concludes that elements of an ‘authentic discussion’ can be achieved in an online environment The quest for authenticity: A study of an online discussion forum and the needs of adult learners 95 and this objective has a particular salience in the context of adult learning. Keywords: authentic discussion; adult learning; online learning; critical thinking; enabling education Introduction The notion of ‘authenticity’ in an educational context has been applied in a variety of ways but the implication is generally that this kind of learning is more meaningful and incisive, that somehow the learning outcomes have more real-life significance, in comparison to more traditional learning experiences. The literature about ‘authentic discussion’ has focussed almost exclusively on the context of classroom English teaching. The focus of this study is to establish the ways in which the characteristics of an ‘authentic discussion’ might apply to adults, rather than school-age children, and to an online environment, rather than a classroom context. The paper begins with an exploration of the concept of ‘authenticity’ and its connections to the principles of adult learning. According to the interpretation of Hadjioannou (2007), the concept of‘authentic discussion’ is an exchange where multiple viewpoints are openly expressed in a way that leads to new understandings and co-constructed forms of knowledge. A study of a discussion forum on the topic of ’family‘ is used to illustrate to the possibilities for authentic discussion in the online environment. The participants in this forum were students enrolled in an enabling program, that is, one designed to prepare adult learners for higher education. The study revealed a number of features that correlate with those of an ‘authentic discussion’, including an acceptance of multiple perspectives, a climate of respect and support, and a preparedness to take risks. These findings are then discussed in terms of their likely implications for educators of adult learners and opportunities for future research in online learning. Authenticity and the needs of adult learners The concept of‘authenticity’ has recently emerged in a number of contexts in the field of education. According to Reeves, Herrington and Oliver (2002), an interest in “authentic activities” requires more 96 Jenny McDougall work than the development of more traditional forms of content-based instruction, but can result in improved learning outcomes. Newmannand Wehlage (1993) describe authentic instruction as “significant and meaningful”, as opposed to “trivial and useless”. They advocate that students have the opportunity to e

FAQs

What is the focus of the study on authenticity?

The study investigates how the characteristics of “authentic discussion” apply to adult learners in an online discussion forum at a university.

What features were found to correlate with authentic discussion in the forum?

Findings include acceptance of multiple perspectives, a climate of respect and support, and students’ preparedness to take risks, including engaging with sensitive issues.

Why is the lecturer considered important in achieving authentic discussion?

The lecturer is identified as a critical component in enabling outcomes such as respect, support, and productive engagement in the online forum.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jasmine